Advancements on the Horizon for Multiple Sclerosis and Alzheimer’s Disease
Significant progress is being made in the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases, offering new hope for patients. Kavita Nair, PhD, FAAN, professor of neurology and clinical pharmacy at the University of Colorado anschutz, highlights promising developments in both Multiple Sclerosis (MS) and Alzheimer’s disease.
For MS, a novel oral medication – a Bruton tyrosine kinase (BTK) inhibitor – is awaiting potential approval. While 22 MS treatments are currently available, this new drug stands out due to its potential to address progressive forms of the disease, characterized by a gradual decline in function without the typical relapses and remissions. Current MS therapies primarily focus on managing relapses; this new treatment aims to slow disability progression in patients experiencing a more insidious, continuous decline.
Alzheimer’s disease research is also experiencing a turning point. After decades of treatments focused solely on managing symptoms, two disease-targeting anti-amyloid therapies have already been approved. Researchers are now anticipating results later this year from trials investigating semaglutide, a GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) medication, which could represent a significant advancement. Additionally, Genentech is initiating phase 3 trials for another anti-amyloid therapy designed to more effectively cross the blood-brain barrier.
Beyond amyloid plaque targeting, research is expanding to address tau proteins, another key component of Alzheimer’s pathology. Dr. Nair anticipates the next 2-3 years will bring a wave of innovative therapies targeting multiple facets of the disease process, marking a period of considerable excitement in the fight against this devastating condition.
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