New Delhi, July 15: A recent study brings hope for patients in the early stages of Alzheimer’s disease. Clinical trials of the experimental drug, Diranersen, show promising signs that it may slow the decline in memory and cognitive abilities. Additionally, it has demonstrated success in reducing levels of specific proteins associated with the disease.
According to a neurologist from University College London Hospitals (UCLH), the trial indicated a relatively slower decline in patients’ cognitive and memory functions. She noted that the drug is still in the testing phase, with preparations underway for its third phase of clinical trials.
The Diranersen trial was conducted under a global study named CELIA, which included 416 patients suffering from early-stage Alzheimer’s. The study lasted 18 months and tested various dosages of the drug, with the 60 mg dosage yielding the best results.
Research indicates that patients receiving the 60 mg dose experienced a significantly slower progression of the disease compared to those on a placebo. The reduction in disease progression was observed to range from 26% to 50% across different assessments.
Tau protein plays a crucial role in Alzheimer’s disease, as it is believed to damage brain cells and exacerbate the condition. Diranersen was designed to reduce the formation of this tau protein.
Researchers found that the drug lowered the total tau protein levels in patients’ cerebrospinal fluid by 50% to 65%. Furthermore, for the first time in a drug trial targeting tau protein, PET scans revealed a reduction in tau-related changes in the brain.
The professor stated that the results from the CELIA study suggest that lowering tau protein levels could provide tangible therapeutic benefits for patients. She described the outcomes from Diranersen as among the most encouraging findings in Alzheimer’s treatment to date, paving the way for larger-scale trials.
The study also reported a satisfactory safety profile for the drug, with most patients experiencing mild to moderate side effects. Over 90% of participants expressed a desire to join further long-term trials upon completion of the study.
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