Several exciting themes regarding the rapidly advancing field of Alzheimer’s research were uncovered at the annual Clinical Trials on Alzheimer’s Disease (CTAD) conference, held October 24 – 27, 2023 in Boston, MA.
In attendance was Dr. Stephen Salloway, MD, MS, founder of the Memory and Aging Program (MAP) at Butler Hospital and Professor of Neurology and Psychiatry at the Alpert Medical School of Brown University. Several other members of MAP and Brown University who are focused on Alzheimer’s research also attended the conference.
“It was an energizing few days full of encouraging updates on progress in Alzheimer's research and drug development,” said Dr. Salloway.
Dr. Salloway highlights seven (7) key takeaways from the conference.
- Plasma Biomarkers Showing Promise
Several presentations highlighted advances with blood-based biomarkers. Plasma ptau217 looks promising as a predictor of amyloid pathology, tau pathology, and prognosis. Additional work on standardizing assays and implementation in clinical practice is still needed. CSF (cerebral spinal fluid) assays for alpha-synuclein seeds and plasma MBTR-243 also show a correlation with underlying pathologies and cognitive decline.
- Early Amyloid Intervention Yields Biggest Benefits
Evidence continues to build showing that treating amyloid pathology earlier leads to maximal benefit in slowing cognitive decline. An analysis of tau PET data from the “lecanemab” trial found amyloid positive, tau-negative patients improved compared to placebo when treated early. This further supports the aim of intervening before downstream damage occurs.
- Encouraging Early Data on Anti-Tau Approaches
Biogen shared preliminary data from an “antisense oligonucleotide” (ASO) trial targeting tau that showed decreases in tau PET signal and slowing of cognitive decline. While larger confirmatory studies are still needed, this early anti-tau approach shows promise.
- Novel Drug Delivery Methods
Presentations on enhanced drug delivery to the brain via transferrin receptor-mediated transport and focused ultrasound introduced new potential ways to overcome the blood-brain barrier.
- Spotlight on Diversity in Clinical Trials
Several talks highlighted work to improve the inclusion of diverse populations in clinical trials. A keynote from Dr. Monica Rivera-Mindt highlighted strategies for making trials more equitable and representative through community engagement. Her recommendations included:
• A call for more providers to be from underrepresented communities.
• Increasing diversity in program staff and improving overall cultural competency.
• Working with partners who know the community best.
- Updates on Diagnostic Criteria and Amyloid PET Approval
The NIA-AA research framework for diagnosis continues to be refined. The EMA (European Medicines Agency) also granted approval for broad clinical use of quantitative amyloid PET based on the AMYPAD study results.
- Cautious Optimism for Combination Therapies
With a growing pipeline of potential disease-modifying compounds, there is increasing interest in combination therapy. While we still have a way to go, the momentum from CTAD underscores a sense of optimism about the future of Alzheimer's treatment.
How to Get Involved in Alzheimer’s Research
Effective treatment and even prevention of Alzheimer's is closer than ever before, and now you can help by joining the Alzheimer’s Prevention Registry. The registry allows us to match people interested in participating in research, with studies for which they may qualify.
Learn more about the Alzheimer’s Prevention Registry by visiting: https://www.butler.org/memory/registry.
Disclaimer: The content in this blog is for informational and educational purposes only and should not serve as medical advice, consultation, or diagnosis. If you have a medical concern, please consult your healthcare provider, or seek immediate medical treatment.