A promising new chapter in Alzheimer’s disease research is emerging from work rooted in the Grossman Center for Memory Research and Care. Myriel, a University of Minnesota start-up co-founded by former Grossman Center Director, Karen Ashe, MD, PhD, is advancing a novel therapeutic approach targeting the underlying mechanisms of memory loss and dementia in neurodegenerative disorders. Collaborators include Michael Walters, PhD, Department of Medicinal Chemistry, and Steffen Pockes, PhD, University of Regensburg.
This effort was inspired by the resilience and hope of patients and families affected by Alzheimer’s disease. Their experiences helped drive a key scientific breakthrough: the identification of caspase-2 as an enzyme that cleaves tau protein, contributing to synaptic dysfunction and memory loss. Building on this discovery, the research team developed a lead compound, MUR-2425, which has demonstrated the ability to reverse memory loss and restore synaptic markers within 30-150 minutes in preclinical models. It also has the potential to slow the progression of disease.
Myriel is now focused on translating these findings into clinical applications. The company plans to begin animal toxicology studies of MUR-2425 in the third quarter of 2026, a critical step toward filing an investigational new drug (IND) application, and a first-in-human clinical trial in the second quarter of 2027. By partnering with private sector collaborators and investors, Myriel aims to accelerate the development of cognitive enhancing and disease-modifying therapies that could rapidly alleviate symptoms and change the trajectory of Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias. This progress reflects not only scientific innovation, but also the vital contributions of patients, families, and the collaborative community at the Grossman Center.