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New Alzheimer's Drug Shows Promise in Slowing Decline
15 May
Summary
- Diranersen shows promise despite not meeting primary goal.
- Drug reduced tau buildup and showed cognitive benefits.
- New drug targets tau protein buildup inside neurons.
Biogen announced that its experimental Alzheimer's drug, diranersen, will advance to a late-stage trial. Although the initial study did not achieve its primary objective, the results indicated significant promise. Patients receiving diranersen experienced a slower worsening of their disease across all dose levels, with the smallest dose showing the most benefit.
Developed using an antisense oligonucleotide approach, diranersen uniquely targets the tau protein buildup inside neurons, a key hallmark of Alzheimer's. This strategy differs from other treatments that focus on amyloid or tau outside of neurons. Researchers believe tau accumulation is more closely linked to Alzheimer's symptoms than amyloid.
While analysts noted the broad positive implications for Alzheimer's research, questions remain regarding the consistency and magnitude of cognitive benefits. Further details on the drug's side effects are also anticipated by investors and the scientific community.
This development occurs as two other Alzheimer's treatments, Leqembi and Kisunla, are currently approved. These existing therapies target amyloid and have demonstrated modest benefits in slowing disease progression. Biogen is exploring potential combinations of drugs targeting both amyloid and tau in future treatments.
