Alzheimer's research in the spotlight

BRC-supported Dr Cath Mummery was interviewed on BBC News and Channel 4 this week about the interim results of a Phase I study of adecanumab, a monoclonal antibody, reported in Nature. 

Dr Mummery, who is head of clinical trials at the Dementia Research Centre, UCL Institute of Neurology and is supported by the NIHR Queen Square Dementia Biomedical Research Unit, was not involved in the Phase I study but is now the Principal Investigator for the follow-up Biogen sponsored Phase III study being done at the institute

The study found a marked reduction in amyloid load using PET scans and confirmed the drug removes amyloid from brains of people with Alzheimer's disease (AD). 

The study showed some signal of slowing in cognitive decline associated with reduction in cognitive load. Although this is encouraging, definitive results from the phase III study are still needed. The Phase III study endpoint is cognitive and if that confirms the possible signal in the phase I (in 18-24 months’ time) that could be a ‘game-changer’ in the way we trial and treat in AD.

Dr Mummery said: “The positive results from the phase I study of adecanumab are very encouraging, showing a marked reduction in amyloid load over time. In an exploratory analysis, there was a suggestion of associated slowing in cognitive decline. If that is confirmed in the phase III study I lead on for UCL, this could mark a major and exciting shift in our ability to treat Alzheimer’s disease. “