# Lead Optimization of CRAC Channel Inhibitors for the Treatment of Alzheimer's Disease

> **NIH NIH R44** · VIVREON BIOSCIENCES, LLC · 2021 · $193,392

## Abstract

Vivreon Biosciences, LLC
4940 Carroll Canyon Rd. Suite 110
 San Diego, CA 92121
milton@vivreonbiosciences.com
Vivreon Biosciences – NIA SBIR # PA-20-272: AG055205
Project Summary
Vivreon Biosciences is pleased to apply for NIA SBIR Supplement #PA-20-272 to address medicinal chemistry
optimization issues in our currently funded SBIR AG055205, “Lead Optimization of CRAC Channel Inhibitors for
the Treatment of Alzheimer's Disease”. Supplemental funding is urgently required to de-risk our program prior
to advancing to development studies. Vivreon Biosciences is developing a series of novel small molecule, Ca2+
channel inhibitors for the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Our lead compound series achieves
neuroprotection by an entirely new mechanism – inhibition of Ca2+ release-activated Ca2+ (CRAC) channels to
block microgliosis. Vivreon seeks NIA funding to bridge the gap between discovery and development. We will
perform chemistry and biology experiments to identify and validate a new clinical candidate therapeutic drug.
Upon successful completion of the program, our clinical candidate will be the first to specifically target the CRAC
pathway for neuroprotection in AD, thus comprising an entirely new tool in the battle against AD.
Vivreon has discovered a lead compound series with oral bioavailability that penetrates into the central nervous
system (CNS) very efficiently, shows no neurotoxicity in the Irwin test of central nervous system (CNS) integrity,
and demonstrates neuroprotection in models of Alzheimer’s disease. The lead series inhibits microgliosis by
blocking CRAC channel activity with nM potency; suppressing M1-like NF-κB activity, while enhancing M2-like
phagocytosis. Supplemental funding is required to de-risk our program prior to advancing to development
studies. Several promising compounds are hampered from further development due to certain properties and
further lead optimization is required to remove liabilities prior to selection of a development compound.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10301149
- **Project number:** 3R44AG055205-05S1
- **Recipient organization:** VIVREON BIOSCIENCES, LLC
- **Principal Investigator:** Milton L Greenberg
- **Activity code:** R44 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2021
- **Award amount:** $193,392
- **Award type:** 3
- **Project period:** 2016-09-30 → 2022-05-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10301149

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10301149, Lead Optimization of CRAC Channel Inhibitors for the Treatment of Alzheimer's Disease (3R44AG055205-05S1). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-23 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10301149. Licensed CC0.

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