Researchers from AgeneBio and Johns Hopkins University have been investigating the use of a once-a-day investigational medication to treat mild cognitive impairment due to Alzheimer’s disease. The drug, an extended release form of the epilepsy medication levetiracetam, showed promising results in slowing brain atrophy progression in individuals with mild cognitive impairment who are not carriers of the APoE-4 genetic variant. This study is part of the HOPE4MCI clinical trial, which evaluated the effectiveness of the drug known as AGB101 in treating Alzheimer’s disease.
According to Michela Gallagher, PhD, CEO of AgeneBio and Krieger Eisenhower Professor of Psychological and Brain Sciences at Johns Hopkins University, patients with mild cognitive impairment often exhibit hyperactivity in the hippocampus, a brain region crucial for creating and retrieving memories. This hyperactivity contributes to memory impairment and disease progression. AGB101 was developed to address this hyperactivity and bring brain activity levels back to normal in older adults.
During the study, researchers found that participants with mild cognitive impairment who were not carriers of the APoE-4 allele and were treated with AGB101 showed a 40% reduction in progression on the Clinical Dementia Rating scale over 18 months compared to those who received a placebo. This result indicates a meaningful retention of cognitive and daily functioning for patients with mild cognitive impairment. Slowing disease progression in this stage can help individuals maintain independent living and delay the onset of dementia, reducing the need for nursing home care.
Additionally, the study revealed that AGB101 significantly reduced atrophy of the entorhinal cortex in individuals not carrying the APoE-4 allele. The entorhinal cortex is an area of the brain closely connected to the hippocampus and plays a vital role in memory and time perception. Slowing atrophy in this region is considered evidence of slowing disease progression, providing hope for potential Alzheimer’s disease treatments. Gallagher noted that the results of the study exceeded currently published data for Alzheimer’s disease therapeutics.
Scott Kaiser, MD, Director of Geriatric Cognitive Health at Providence Saint John’s Health Center, Santa Monica, CA, finds the study promising and encouraging. With the predicted increase in worldwide dementia cases, it is essential to explore various strategies to prevent and treat Alzheimer’s disease and cognitive impairment. The study’s focus on repurposing existing drugs and targeting different underlying mechanisms offers hope for effective treatments in the future. Kaiser believes that a future approach to Alzheimer’s disease treatment could resemble the management of chronic conditions like diabetes or hypertension with a range of treatments addressing different mechanisms.
In conclusion, the research conducted by AgeneBio and Johns Hopkins University provides valuable insights into the treatment of mild cognitive impairment due to Alzheimer’s disease. The promising results of using AGB101 to slow brain atrophy progression in individuals with mild cognitive impairment, particularly those not carrying the APoE-4 genetic variant, open up new possibilities for Alzheimer’s disease therapies. As further studies are needed to confirm the efficacy and safety of AGB101, the findings offer hope for delaying disease progression and improving cognitive function in individuals with mild cognitive impairment. The success of this investigational medication could potentially revolutionize the treatment approach to Alzheimer’s disease and pave the way for more targeted and effective therapies in the future.
