Federal Project Grant Award Summary

The Defense Health Agency (DHA) awarded The Washington University a $834,915 project grant under the Military Medical Research and Development program (CFDA 12.420) for the period May 1, 2026 through April 30, 2028. The project, titled "Development of Small Molecules to Disrupt TDP-43 Aggregation and Restore Function," will be conducted at the university's facilities in University City, Missouri. This award funds research and development activities focused on developing therapeutic small molecules targeting TDP-43 (TAR DNA-binding protein 43) aggregation, a pathological process implicated in neurodegenerative diseases including amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and frontotemporal dementia.

Under this Military Medical Research and Development award, The Washington University will deliver biomedical research services encompassing molecular development, laboratory research execution, and translational research activities aimed at identifying and characterizing small molecule compounds capable of disrupting aberrant TDP-43 protein aggregation and restoring normal protein function. The project represents the DHA's investment in hypothesis-driven research addressing critical neurological health challenges relevant to both military service members and the broader American public. As a major research institution with demonstrated capacity across biomedical sciences and specialized laboratory capabilities, The Washington University's Office of Sponsored Research Services will manage project execution and deliverables over the two-year performance period.