One in every three Americans suffer from Alzheimer’s Disease
The North American consortium, Alzheimer’s Disease Cooperative Study (ADCS), recently completed a phase II clinical trial to test the efficiency of a novel drug T-817MA (Chemical Name: 1-{3-[2-(1-benzothiophen-5-yl)ethoxy] propyl}-3-azetidinol maleate). Researchers at Clinical Trials of Texas (CTT) and the University of North Texas Health Science Center (UNTHSC) have reported their findings.
Alzheimer’s Disease (AD), is one of the most severe forms of dementia, which is known to damage and kill neurones in the brain. This leads to loss of neuro-synaptic transmission, paving the way for cognitive impairment, damage and finally death. Every one in three people in the United States are affected by this condition.
Until now, there have only been a handful of drugs approved by the FDA that can be used to reduce the severity of the condition in mild to moderate cases. Donepezil, galantamine, memantine, rivastigmine and tacrine are the only drugs with an FDA approval so far.
According to a press release, investigations involving T-817MA began early in 2005 when a phase I clinical trial was initiated in research centers in the United States and Canada. Following its success, a phase II(a) clinical trial was carried out from 2008 until 2011 to measure the impact of this drug on patients treated with donepezil. The rate of cognitive decline was considerably lower in patients who received T-817MA treatment. The main mode of action of this drug, as reported by several pre-clinical models, seems to be restoration of synaptic function by reducing beta-amyeloid (Aβ) plaques and neurotoxicity, promoting healthy growth of neurones.
Another phase II study for the drug was launched in March 2014 on the neuroprotective properties of T-817MA in patients receiving either donepezil alone or in combination with memantine. This trial, called ‘NOBLE’ is expected to run till March 2016, hopefully with positive results. Funding has come exclusively through Toyama Chemical Co., Ltd., under which the drug will be marketed.
Dr. Harry Croft, a psychiatrist at CTT, commented stating, “The new medication, T-817MA is showing promising results for those with mild to moderate Alzheimer’s. We are also currently testing another medication that we believe may reduce the buildup of amyloid plaque in the brain, which may contribute to the onset of Alzheimer’s.”
Dr. Croft urged anybody who has had their family members or loved ones affected by AD or any form of cognitive impairment to volunteer for these clinical trials, as it could potentially benefit them and other Alzheimer’s patients.