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

> **NIH NIH R44** · VIVREON BIOSCIENCES, LLC · 2020 · $1,249,999

## Abstract

Vivreon Biosciences, LLC
 7558 Trade St.
 San Diego, CA 92121
vivreonbiosciences@gmail.com
Vivreon Biosciences – NIA SBIR # PA-18-187
Project Summary
Vivreon Biosciences is pleased to apply for NIA SBIR Solicitation #PA-18-187. Vivreon Biosciences is an
innovative life sciences company that 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 a mouse model of neurodegeneration. The lead series inhibits microgliosis
by blocking CRAC channel activity with nM potency; suppressing M1-like NF-κB activity, while enhancing M2-
like phagocytosis. We will now expand our library of small molecule CRAC channel inhibitors by synthetic
chemistry followed by pharmacology assays designed to identify a candidate with properties appropriate for AD
therapy. The candidate therapeutic will be validated in a new humanized animal model of AD (5x-MITRG). The
final aim for this proposal is identification and validation of the first CRAC channel inhibitor for AD therapy.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 9947836
- **Project number:** 5R44AG055205-05
- **Recipient organization:** VIVREON BIOSCIENCES, LLC
- **Principal Investigator:** Milton L Greenberg
- **Activity code:** R44 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2020
- **Award amount:** $1,249,999
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2016-09-30 → 2022-05-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/9947836

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 9947836, Lead Optimization of CRAC Channel Inhibitors for the Treatment of Alzheimer's Disease (5R44AG055205-05). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-27 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/9947836. Licensed CC0.

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