Experts In The Episode
Pamela Spicer, neuroscience expert and therapy area Director, Citeline
Martin Tolar, MD, PhD, founder, president, CEO, Alzheon
Sharon Cohen, MD, FRCPC, medical director, site principal investigator, Toronto Memory Program
Commentary
Podcast
Author(s):
The Alzheimer disease treatment landscape is evolving with new FDA-approved antibody therapies and advancements in biomarker testing to enable earlier diagnosis and intervention.
Pamela Spicer, neuroscience expert and therapy area Director, Citeline
Martin Tolar, MD, PhD, founder, president, CEO, Alzheon
Sharon Cohen, MD, FRCPC, medical director, site principal investigator, Toronto Memory Program
The Alzheimer disease treatment landscape is rapidly changing, with several new FDA-approved antibody therapies that target amyloid plaque and aim to slow disease progression. While the controversial approval of aducanumab faced challenges, newer drugs like lecanemab and donanemab have shown more promising results in clinical trials, demonstrating cognitive benefits. Additionally, the pipeline includes novel therapies targeting tau protein and other mechanisms. Advancements in biomarker development, including plasma and imaging tests, are also enabling earlier diagnosis and the potential for preventive treatments before the onset of clinical symptoms.
Recent advancements in Alzheimer disease (AD) research have provided renewed hope for patients and practitioners. Researchers have gained a better understanding of AD's underlying causes, leading to the development of new treatments targeting the disease process, not just symptoms. Three drugs—lecanemab, donanemab, and aducanumab (being discontinued)— have received FDA approval for treating AD. Designing and conducting clinical trials for AD remains complex and expensive. Overcoming hurdles in trial design and ensuring wider access to these treatments will be crucial in the fight against this devastating disease.
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A new oral drug, valiltramiprosate (ALZ-801), is showing promise in treating AD, especially for patients with a high risk due to their genetics. In a recent phase 2 trial, ALZ-801 demonstrated positive results in reducing harmful protein buildup in the brain, preserving brain volume, and improving cognitive function. This oral treatment offers potential benefits for patients who may not be suitable for infusion-based therapies. Currently in phase 3 development, ALZ-801 could be a significant advancement in the fight against AD.
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