Anti-Amyloid Drug May Delay Symptoms For People With Rare Genetic Form Of Alzheimer’s
A new study published today in the journal, Lancet Neurology looking at longer term use of the anti-amyloid drug, gantenerumab, may indicate it can delay the onset of Alzheimer’s disease symptoms in people with a genetic form of the disease.
The new research follows previous studies of gantenerumab, which had failed to slow cognitive decline in people at risk of Alzheimer’s disease in earlier clinical trials.
However, by treating people for longer and with an increased dose, the study offers new insights into the potential use of gantenerumab. “It suggests that extended use of anti-amyloid treatments may delay or prevent the onset of dementia symptoms”, said Dr Susan Kohlhaas, Executive Director of Research and Partnerships at Alzheimer’s Research UK.
Dr. Kohlhaas cautioned that further research is needed to determine whether these findings apply to other approved anti-amyloid treatments. “But these results highlight the importance of early intervention and longer-term follow-up in determining the benefits and risks of dementia treatments.”
The people involved were part of the DIAN-TU – the Dominantly Inherited Alzheimer Network Trials Unit. Launched in 2012, DIAN-TU was the first international drug trial investigating the potential of anti-amyloid therapies in people with a rare genetic form of Alzheimer’s.
“Everyone in this study was destined to develop Alzheimer’s disease and some of them haven’t yet,” said senior author Prof Randall J. Bateman, MD.
“We don’t yet know how long they will remain symptom-free – maybe a few years or maybe decades. In order to give them the best opportunity to stay cognitively normal, we have continued treatment with another anti-amyloid antibody in hopes they will never develop symptoms at all.”
While the findings are promising, experts caution that the study involved only 22 participants, and the results are specific to those with a rare genetic form of Alzheimer’s. More research will be needed to understand how these findings could impact the broader dementia community.
“With people now receiving approved anti-amyloid therapies in health services around the globe, it will be vital to continue collecting data on how these medicines are working in real world settings, alongside clinical trials,” Dr Kohlhaas added.
Alzheimer’s Research UK, in collaboration with other charities, has recently called for mandatory data collection within the NHS to deepen understanding of new treatments and guide their use in the NHS.
Reflecting on the potential impact of the study, Prof. Bateman said, “I am highly optimistic now, as this could be the first clinical evidence of what will become preventions for people at risk for Alzheimer’s disease. One day soon, we may be delaying the onset of Alzheimer’s disease for millions.”
The number of people living with dementia in the UK is predicted to increase from 982,000 today, to more than 1.4 million by 2040.
“We’re in a period of uncertainty for global investment into research. Now, more than ever, we must collaborate to collect valuable long-term data, and the government has a vital role to play to ensure the UK remains at the forefront of dementia research,” Dr. Kohlhaas concluded.
