Researchers in Japan have identified an antibody that binds to a myeloma-specific form of a common cell surface protein, called CD98 heavy chain, and that prolongs survival when given to a mouse model of multiple myeloma. The findings were detailed in the study, “Selective targeting of multiple myeloma cells with a monoclonal antibody recognizing the…
Gain Therapeutics‘ investigational STAR (small-molecule structurally targeted allosteric regulators) candidate lowered toxic amyloid-beta and tau protein levels, both hallmarks of Alzheimer’s disease, in a cellular model of the disease. Treatment with the STAR molecule enhanced the survival and boosted communication between nerve cells, the company announced. The results support the potential of STARs molecules for…
The National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD) has updated its State Report Card to make it more digitally friendly and added telehealth to its categories of rare disease policy issues in a nod to its increased use during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. NORD’s report card project began seven years ago with the goal of evaluating…
Eisai has partnered with Geisinger to assess whether a machine-learning model can accurately identify people with cognitive impairment — which may suggest early signs of dementia. Machine learning is a form of artificial intelligence (AI) that uses algorithms to analyze data, learn from its analyses, and then make a prediction. The AI tool will be…
NNI-362, Neuronascent’s investigational treatment for Alzheimer’s disease, was safe and reduced blood levels of an Alzheimer’s biomarker in a Phase 1a trial of the therapy in healthy, older adults. The primary goal of the trial (NCT04074837), which enrolled 56 adults between the ages of 50 and 72, was to determine the safety and tolerability of…
More than 30 million people in 46 countries joined together to participate in Myeloma Action Month (MAM), a campaign in March to raise awareness of the rare blood cancer. The International Myeloma Foundation (IMF), which organized the month-long campaign, says the awareness efforts were a success and helped to inspire “a culture of hope and…
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), in a final national policy decision, is allowing Medicare to cover the cost of Aduhelm (aducanumab) and other medicines in its class given accelerated approval only for Alzheimer’s disease patients enrolled in qualifying clinical trials. Should Adulhelm or future amyloid-targeting monoclonal antibodies be given standard or full — rather than…
Alzamend Neuro’s experimental oral therapy for dementia related to Alzheimer’s disease may deliver the benefits of marketed lithium-based treatments but with fewer side effects, data from a completed Phase 1 trial show. A 150 milligrams (mg) dose of the therapy, called AL001, led to similar levels of lithium in the blood as a 300 mg…
Treatment with the investigational candidate SAGE-718 was generally well-tolerated and associated with cognitive improvements in people with Alzheimer’s disease, according to preliminary results from the LUMINARY Phase 2 clinical trial. The therapy’s developer, Sage Therapeutics, presented these findings in a talk, titled “SAGE-718 in Patients With Mild Cognitive Impairment or Mild Dementia Due to Alzheimer’s…
Carvykti (ciltacabtagene autoleucel; cilta-cel) has been recommended for approval in Europe by the Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use (CHMP), an arm of the European Medicines Agency (EMA), for eligible adults with relapsed and refractory multiple myeloma. The CAR T-cell therapy will be available for patients who have received at least three prior lines of…
