# Novel Extracorporeal Device 'Amytrapper' To Remove Beta Amyloid In Alzheimer'sDisease

> **NIH NIH R44** · RECOMBINANT TECHNOLOGIES, LLC · 2024 · $784,203

## Abstract

Abstract
Alzheimer’s disease is the most common cause of dementia and fourth most common cause of death.
Amyloid-beta (Aβ) plays a crucial role in initiation and progression of Alzheimer’s disease (AD).
Removal of circulating Aβ would shift the equilibrium in Aβ levels between brain and blood towards
blood. This shift would deplete brain amyloid levels and improve memory. Three commercial monoclonal
antibodies Adecanumab (Biogen), Lacenumab (Eisai) and Donanemab (Eli Lilly) have been approved by
the FDA after showing cognitive improvement by reducing amyloid. Recombinant Technologies [RT] has
developed an extracorporeal apheresis device, namely, Amytrapper Catheter to sequester blood Aβ. The
device is built on our IP-protected active pharmacological ingredient [API], a tetrameric retro-inverso
(RI) peptide, named Amytrap peptide. The device is a medically viable catheter which is coated inside
with the API. Amytrap peptide prevents Aβ self-aggregation by binding to a specific motif on Aβ that
promotes its misfolding and self-aggregation. Amytrap peptide has been shown to bind both soluble and
insoluble forms of amyloid efficiently with little side effects. The API is superior in that it is a small
peptide, not an antibody and it does not trigger any immunological side effects.
Previous research through SBIR phases I and II met or exceeded the intended goals. We completed the
following quantitative milestones: 1) we obtained proof of concept for a prototype Amytrapper Catheter
device in vitro. It bound and retained biotinylated Aβ42 (spiked) in a concentration dependent manner
from circulating fluids including sera or plasma from mice, rat and humans, in vitro. 2) we have obtained
in vivo proof of concept for the device in AD model rats. Blood amyloid reduction coupled with
behavioral improvement was observed in these rats after catheter-apheresis. 3) we have obtained
preliminary proof of concept with the device to remove native amyloid from blood samples of a small
number of patients with AD. 4) Completed market research for the device by partnering with Bio Heath
Innovations (MD) with the help of an NIA-sponsored TABA program which produced encouraging
feedback from key opinion leaders including end users 5) We have raised outside funds through
partnership with Start Engine Capital LLC via Regulation CF and we plan to continue this effort. This
phase IIB proposal is a necessary and logical extension of our ongoing research and commercialization
efforts that will bring the device from bench to the patient. We plan to improvise and optimize the
Amytrapper catheter device. Reflecting on these goals, in this proposal, we plan: in aim 1. Scaled up
synthesis (GLP grade), optimization and characterization of API, in aim 2. Fine-tune and improvise
Amytrapper Catheter device utilizing amyloid-spiked human blood samples, in aim 3. Confirm preclinical
POC on the streamlined catheter device by testing Amytrapper Catheter on blood samples from AD
patients an...

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10934579
- **Project number:** 5R44AG057327-05
- **Recipient organization:** RECOMBINANT TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
- **Principal Investigator:** PAZHANI SUNDARAM
- **Activity code:** R44 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2024
- **Award amount:** $784,203
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2017-09-01 → 2026-03-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10934579

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10934579, Novel Extracorporeal Device 'Amytrapper' To Remove Beta Amyloid In Alzheimer'sDisease (5R44AG057327-05). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-23 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10934579. Licensed CC0.

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