An experimental drug might help slow early Alzheimer’s disease in a markedly different way than today’s treatments — by lowering levels of a brain protein called tau, researchers reported Tuesday.
How the Drug Works
Diranersen is what’s called an antisense oligonucleotide that doesn’t attack tau buildup but instead instructs a tau-producing gene to produce less.
Today’s anti-amyloid drugs are given through the bloodstream via infusions or injections. Diranersen is injected into the fluid surrounding the spinal cord, a straighter path to the brain.
Study Results
The study of about 400 people found signs that diranersen slowed cognitive decline, in one small subset enough to be comparable to amyloid therapy, according to results presented at the Alzheimer’s Association International Conference in London.
Side effects included injection site pain and a temporary state of confusion that could appear a few days after the shot and last about a week.
Original reporting: KTBS 3 (Shreveport) — read the source article.
