Experimental Alzheimer's Drug Shows Potential to Delay Symptoms in Genetic Cases

Early findings suggest gantenerumab may halve the risk of symptom onset in predisposed individuals, though small sample sizes and funding issues pose challenges.

A study led by Washington University researchers indicates gantenerumab, an anti-amyloid drug, may reduce Alzheimer's symptom onset risk by 50% in long-term treated patients.
The findings, published in The Lancet Neurology, are based on a small subset of 22 participants treated for an average of eight years.
The study's results are not definitive due to the small sample size and early trial termination after Roche discontinued the drug in 2022.
Participants have transitioned to Leqembi, another amyloid-targeting drug, for further investigation into long-term protection against Alzheimer's.
NIH funding delays threaten follow-up studies, raising concerns about the future of Alzheimer's prevention research and treatment advancements.