Cassava Sciences plans to launch two Phase 3 clinical trials evaluating the efficacy of simufilam, its investigational oral treatment for Alzheimer’s disease, in the second half of this year, the company announced. If successful, results of these studies in patients with mild-to-moderate disease will support a request for simufilam’s approval. “For over 10 years we’ve…
About Alzheimer’s Disease
Walking into a room and forgetting why you went into the room is normal. Walking into a room and forgetting what room you are in is not normal. Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form of dementia and affects one in ten people over the age of 65. Unfortunately, the exact cause of Alzheimer’s disease is not fully understood however leading scientific experts in the field attribute the illness to the irreversible and progressive generalized degeneration of the brain. Alzheimer’s disease goes well beyond the forgetfulness that may accompany aging, and typically first signs include difficulty remembering current information or performing new tasks. Ongoing hallmark symptoms include impaired memory function, difficulty performing everyday tasks, and neurobehavioral abnormalities. Currently, there is no known cure for Alzheimer’s disease, and multi-disciplinary treatment focuses on symptom management and limiting progression.
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Alzheimer’s News
Phase 1 Trial to Test BDNF Gene Therapy in Alzheimer’s Patients
A Phase 1 trial will evaluate the use of gene therapy in delivering brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) to the brains of people with Alzheimer’s disease or mild cognitive impairment (MCI), which often precedes dementia. Researchers at the University of California San Diego (UCSD) School of Medicine are preparing to open a three-year trial in 12…
Grants of $4.6M to Support Trials of Cancer Therapy in Early Alzheimer’s
The National Institute of Aging (NIA) and the Alzheimer’s Drug Discovery Foundation (ADDF) have awarded $4.6 million to a team of researchers studying the potential of the cancer therapy Revlimid (lenalidomide) in treating people with early stage Alzheimer’s disease. Two clinical trials, each supported by one of these grants, are planned. The first is now recruiting…
UsAgainstAlzheimer’s Calls for $289M Hike in Federal Funds for Research
To meet a U.S. goal to effectively treat and prevent Alzheimer’s disease by 2025, patient, caregiver, and advocacy communities are recommending a $289 million hike in federal research dollars for fiscal year 2022. UsAgainstAlzheimer’s is supporting that recommendation — and calling for greater urgency in meeting national Alzheimer’s community goals set nearly a decade ago.…
HFC to Host CareCon, Virtual Event for Caregivers
A virtual celebrity-studded HFC event aimed at caregivers for Alzheimer’s disease and dementia patients is on tap for Friday, National Caregivers Day. Called HFC CareCon and presented by Kensington Senior Living in both English and Spanish, the free two-hour event will be hosted by HFC co-founder and actor Lauren Miller Rogen, with a special appearance from…
Oral Simufilam Found to Improve Cognition, Behavior After 6 Months’ Use
Simufilam, an investigational oral medication being developed by Cassava Sciences, improved cognition and behavior in people with Alzheimer’s disease after six months of dosing in a clinical trial, interim data show. “Today’s data once again suggests simufilam could be a transformative, novel therapeutic,” Nadav Friedmann, MD, PhD, chief medical officer at Cassava, said in a press…
Alzheimer’s Association Webinar Tackles Care Disparities for Blacks in US
Older Blacks in the U.S. are twice as likely to develop Alzheimer’s disease (AD) as whites of a similar age, and they’re less likely to be diagnosed. Such a health disparity is why the Alzheimer’s Association is presenting a webinar on Feb. 18, marking Black History Month. Called “Creating a Path Forward: Reaching Health Equity…
Phase 3 Trial of Therapy for Inflammation, Insulin-sensitivity in Alzheimer’s to Open
NeurMedix has announced it will soon open a pivotal Phase 3 clinical trial of its lead investigational therapy, NE3107, for people with Alzheimer’s disease, following authorization by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The trial (NCT04669028), to be conducted at about 30 clinical U.S. sites, will be looking to recruit up to 316 people with mild to…
Troriluzole Fails to Ease Cognitive Impairments in Phase 2/3 Trial
Troriluzole, an investigational oral symptomatic treatment developed by Biohaven for Alzheimer’s disease, did not work better than a placebo in alleviating cognitive impairments and reducing brain volume loss in patients with mild-to-moderate disease, according to top-line data from a Phase 2/3 trial. However, a subgroup analysis — performed in the subset of study patients with…
FDA Extends Its Aducanumab Review with Decision Expected in June
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has extended its review period for aducanumab (BIIB037), an investigational therapy for Alzheimer’s disease being co-developed by Biogen and Eisai. The three-month extension means the new deadline to review the compound’s biologics license application (BLA), also known as the Prescription Drug User Fee Act action date, is June…
Patients, Caregivers Urged to Get COVID-19 Vaccines ASAP
People with Alzheimer’s disease, as well as their caregivers, are being urged — on social media and via press releases — to get COVID-19 vaccines as soon as possible. That’s the recommendation of the Medical, Scientific and Memory Screening Advisory Board of the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America (AFA). “Getting vaccinated is one of the most…
Non-invasive Neurostimulation Device Wins FDA’s Breakthrough Status
Cognito Therapeutic’s neurostimulation device — a next-generation digital therapeutic designed to treat memory and cognition symptoms in Alzheimer’s disease — has been granted a breakthrough device designation by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The device, part of a new class of disease-modifying digital therapies, uses proprietary, non-invasive neurostimulation technology developed by Massachusetts Institute…