Alzheimer’s study shows promising results for efficacy of new drug

This week saw the publication of promising results from the TRAILBLAZER-ALZ 2 study into the efficacy of the drug donanemab in slowing the progression of Alzheimer’s disease in patients with early symptoms over an 18-month period.

The phase 3 randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial included 1,736 international participants, 62 from the UK, all of whom participated through the UK centres of Re:Cognition Health, a pioneering brain and mind clinic specialising in the delivery of clinical trials, including its facility in the Harley Street Medical Area.

The results of the TRAILBLAZER-ALZ 2 study show that donanemab slowed cognitive decline by 35% compared to the placebo. Functional decline, relating to the ability to perform normal daily tasks such as managing finances, engaging in hobbies, conversing about current events and driving, was reduced by 40% compared to the placebo. Nearly 50% of participants had no clinical progression at 12 months and those at the earliest stage of the disease had the greatest benefit, showing a 60% slowing of decline compared to the placebo.

Dr Emer MacSweeney of Re:Cognition Health

Donanemab is a monoclonal antibody which works by binding to the toxic amyloid proteins, a pathological hallmark of Alzheimer’s, to clear them from the brain. Among all participants in the study, amyloid plaque was reduced by an average of 84% at 18 months, compared to a 1% decrease for participants on the placebo.

Dr Emer MacSweeney, CEO and medical director of Re:Cognition Health and principal investigator for the TRAILBLAZER-ALZ 2, said: “Re:Cognition Health is honoured to be involved in the clinical investigation of donanemab, which represents a significant advancement in the pursuit of effective Alzheimer’s treatments. We recognize the urgent need for new and innovative therapies to combat Alzheimer’s disease, and we are excited to contribute to the development of this potentially groundbreaking treatment.

“The results of TRAILBLAZER-ALZ 2 are hugely exciting and we are proud to be offering patients the opportunity to access more opportunities in clinical trials. With every study conducted, we are helping more people and taking greater steps to find a cure and potentially change the course of the disease for thousands of individuals affected by Alzheimer’s.”

Re:Cognition Health is currently running the TRAILBLAZER-ALZ 6 study in six centres in the UK and one in the USA. For this study, which is testing the donanemab dosage regimens to reduce the risk of amyloid related imaging abnormalities (ARIA), all participants are taking the active medication.