In the initial human trials a promising Alzheimer’s therapy has demonstrated potential, according to researchers at the West Virginia University Rockefeller Neuroscience Institute (RNI). The study focused on combining focused ultrasound with antibody therapies, revealing an accelerated removal of amyloid-beta plaques from the brains of individuals diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease.
The results of the study, published on January 11 in The New England Journal of Medicine, indicate a noteworthy advancement in Alzheimer’s research. The combination of focused ultrasound and antibody therapies presents a novel approach to addressing the removal of amyloid-beta plaques, which are associated with Alzheimer’s disease. Further research and development in this direction could potentially contribute to the development of effective treatments for this challenging condition.
An abnormal buildup of amyloid-beta proteins is one of the hallmarks of Alzheimer’s, as these proteins clump together to form plaques that interfere with neurons in the brain.
Anti-amyloid-beta monoclonal antibody treatments, such as aducanumab and lecanemab, have proven to be effective in clearing these plaques and slowing disease progression.
But until now the drugs have been limited by the blood-brain barrier (BBB), which is designed to keep harmful substances from reaching the brain, according to a press release from RNI.
The researchers highlighted that over 98% of drugs face obstruction by the blood-brain barrier. This barrier poses a significant challenge in the field of medicine, as it necessitates higher drug doses and more frequent therapeutic interventions for patients. Overcoming this barrier is a crucial aspect of developing effective treatments for various conditions, especially neurological disorders, where access to the brain is often restricted. Developing innovative strategies to enhance drug delivery through the blood-brain barrier remains a key focus in medical research. the initial human trials
In this study, scientists used a focused ultrasound (FUS) system to temporarily open the blood-brain barrier, which allowed the antibodies to have greater access to areas of the brain with high amyloid-beta plaques.