Case Summary:     

We are pleased to share the success story of an EB-2 NIW (National Interest Waiver) approval. This approval was granted to a Researcher 5 from China whose research is advancing drug design for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases. At the time of filing, the client was employed in the United States and had already produced significant work in medicinal and organic chemistry, particularly in the design of small-molecule inhibitors to combat conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease.

Research with Substantial Merit and National Importance

The client’s proposed endeavor focuses on developing effective protease inhibitors that achieve stronger enrichment in the brain. These inhibitors are intended to reduce tau-induced neurotoxicity, a key factor in the progression of Alzheimer’s and related dementias. His work holds substantial merit because it targets one of the most pressing medical and social challenges of our time: the growing prevalence of dementia in aging populations. With millions of Americans projected to be affected by Alzheimer’s in the coming decades, his research addresses both public health and economic priorities for the United States.

Well Positioned to Advance the Proposed Endeavor

The client holds a Ph.D. in chemistry and has built a record of scholarship and innovation that demonstrates his ability to advance this critical endeavor. He has authored 11 peer-reviewed journal articles, including four first-authored and one co-first-authored paper, as well as 2 conference abstracts and 1 granted patent. His publications appear in leading journals such as Inorganic Chemistry, The Journal of Immunology, European Journal of Medicinal Chemistry, and Molecular Neurobiology. His work has been cited 150 times by independent researchers worldwide, showing how his discoveries have influenced the fields of medicinal chemistry, cancer research, autoimmune treatments, and neurodegeneration.

In addition, he has been invited to review for authoritative journals, including Archiv der Pharmazie and Inorganic Chemistry, with at least four completed reviews. This peer review record underscores his reputation as a trusted expert whose opinion helps guide the direction of scientific research.

Recognition from Field Experts

In support of the petition, an independent recommender emphasized the breadth and impact of the client’s expertise.

The recommender stated:

“His broad skillset, shaped by years of research on therapeutic strategies for a range of diseases, positions him as a critical asset not only to our research team but also to the national effort to advance drug discovery for neurodegeneration.”

This testimony reinforced the client’s reputation as a versatile scientist whose work carries both scientific importance and practical relevance to U.S. healthcare priorities.

NIW Approval and Outlook

The I-140 NIW petition was filed on July 7, 2025, with premium processing requested, and was approved on August 18, 2025. The petition emphasized his academic record, international citations, peer recognition, and the national importance of his proposed endeavor, which together established his eligibility under the Dhanasar framework.

With NAILG’s guidance, the client successfully obtained NIW approval and is now well-positioned to continue advancing drug discovery research in the United States. His work promises to contribute to the development of life-changing therapies for neurodegenerative diseases and to strengthen the nation’s leadership in biomedical innovation.