In Alzheimer’s patients, abnormal forms of tau protein are observed that accumulate in clumps in patients’ brain cells and cause cognitive impairment. Tau proteins are an important target for drug development.
And the new drug BIIB080 is specifically aimed at the gene responsible for making the tau protein. The drug molecule binds to the RNA, which transmits it and blocks the synthesis of this protein.
In total, the researchers reportedly conducted trials on 46 patients with early-stage Alzheimer’s disease. 34 people took the drug and 12 people took a placebo.
The purpose of the trial was to test the drug’s safety and effectiveness in lowering the level of tau proteins. BIIB080 was injected into the spinal canal every 4 weeks or every 12 weeks for 13 weeks.
As a result, side effects were reported in 94% of patients receiving the drug and 75% of patients receiving placebo. But they were all mild or moderate.
At the same time, the level of tau protein in the cerebrospinal fluid decreased by an average of 50% compared to baseline levels 24 weeks after the last dose.
Source: Ferra
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