BioXcel Therapeutics has launched a pivotal Phase 3 trial program to continue to evaluate BXCL501, its oral experimental candidate for the treatment of agitation in patients with Alzheimer’s disease. The new program consists of two clinical trials — TRANQUILITY II and TRANQUILITY III — and will assess the safety and efficacy of BXCL501 in adults…
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
‘No’ Recommendation for Aduhelm in EU; Biogen to Seek Re-exam
The Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use, or CHMP, is recommending that Aduhelm (aducanumab) should not be approved to treat the early stages of Alzheimer’s disease. The CHMP, which is part of the European Medicines Agency (EMA), voted against recommending Aduhelm last month, and now has issued its formal ruling. The decision comes despite…
Alzheimer’s Research UK Welcomes Pro Soccer’s Plan for Brain Health
Alzheimer’s Research UK said it “welcomes” a plan by the Football Association (FA) and other soccer governing entities to better understand and promote brain health in English football, calling the new efforts to protect players “a step forward.” In addition to the Football Association’s research task force, the joint action plan was produced by the…
First Patient Dosed in Phase 1 Trial of Protollin for Early Alzheimer’s
I-Mab Biopharma announced that the first patient has been dosed in the U.S.-based Phase 1 trial of its intranasal immunotherapy agent Protollin — an investigational medication being developed to treat those with early Alzheimer’s disease. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved the company’s request for this safety and early efficacy study in July. “This is an…
2 Sisters Write Alzheimer’s Book for Kids to Honor Their Grandmother
To honor their grandmother who died from Alzheimer’s in 2011, two sisters have written a children’s book to explain to kids what the disease is and how it affects those who have it. Tanya Iovino and Kiki Kouris wrote “A Kids Book About Alzheimer’s” to provide support and information to people who have a family…
Phase 2/3 Trial of ATH-1017 for Mild or Moderate Alzheimer’s Enrolling
Athira Pharma announced its Phase 2 ACT-AD trial is fully enrolled and its Phase 2/3 LIFT-AD trial has reached more than half of its target number. Both studies are evaluating the safety and efficacy of ATH-1017 in people with mild to moderate Alzheimer’s disease. Eligible adults, ages 55 to 85, are still being recruited for…
2 Women on Mission to Raise Awareness in Latino Community
When Enma Espinosa worked during the day and her husband, Francisco Espinosa, worked the night shift, they barely saw each other. So it took longer for her to realize the small changes in his cognition were not just a normal part of aging. It wasn’t until her husband’s barber called to inform Espinosa that he…
UK Groups Want Rights for Care-home Visitors During COVID-19 Pandemic
A coalition of dementia organizations is calling on the U.K. government to help care-home residents maintain physical contact with loved ones during the COVID-19 pandemic. Called One Dementia Voice, the coalition acknowledges the difficulties of balancing the risk of COVID-19 against the potential harm done by isolation. However, it is seeking to have the government…
Tau NexGen Trial Now Also Testing Anti-Amyloid Therapy Lecanemab
The Tau Next Generation (Tau NexGen) clinical trial will now be evaluating an anti-amyloid antibody in addition to an anti-tau antibody as a potential treatment for early onset Alzheimer’s disease, according to a press release. BioArctic and Eisai‘s investigational treatment lecanemab has been selected as the background anti-amyloid agent to be used for the first arm of…
2 Blood Biomarkers May Be Used to Monitor Lecanemab’s Efficacy
The blood levels of two biomarkers of Alzheimer’s disease are significantly associated with changes in brain beta-amyloid deposits and cognitive function in early Alzheimer’s patients treated with lecanemab (BAN2401), according to a new analysis of data from a Phase 2b clinical trial. The results suggest that these blood biomarkers — p-tau181 and beta-amyloid fragments —…
Vaccine Sparking Immune Reaction Against Toxic Tau Proteins in Trial
An investigation vaccine for Alzheimer’s disease, ACI-35.030 by AC Immune, induced a potent production of antibodies against toxic forms of tau protein — a Alzheimer’s hallmark — in patients with early stage disease, interim results of an ongoing Phase 1b/2a trial show. “These promising results … will be invaluable as we work to further ACI-35.030’s clinical development…
Auction Photo Shows How Alzheimer’s Can Unravel Patient’s Crocheting
At first glance, it’s a simple photo of eight small crochet works posted in three rows on a light-color backdrop and contained in a wooden frame. But there’s much more to it than that. The photo is a visual representation of the progressive effect of Alzheimer’s as put together by the daughter of the artist,…