We use cookies to understand how you use our site and to improve your experience. This includes personalizing content and advertising. To learn more, click here. By continuing to use our site, you accept our use of cookies. Cookie Policy.

Features Partner Sites Information LinkXpress
Sign In
Advertise with Us
LGC Clinical Diagnostics

Download Mobile App




Novel Human Monoclonal Antibody Shows Promise for Treating Alzheimer's Disease

By LabMedica International staff writers
Posted on 12 Sep 2016
Print article
Image: Micrograph showing immunostained amyloid beta (brown) in senile plaques of the cerebral cortex (upper left of image) and cerebral blood vessels (right of image) (Photo courtesy of Wikimedia Commons).
Image: Micrograph showing immunostained amyloid beta (brown) in senile plaques of the cerebral cortex (upper left of image) and cerebral blood vessels (right of image) (Photo courtesy of Wikimedia Commons).
A human monoclonal antibody that targets aggregated forms of amyloid-beta (Abeta) protein was shown in a phase Ib clinical study to reduce amyloid plaques in patients with early Alzheimer's disease and to slow or prevent cognitive decline in these individuals.

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is characterized by deposition of amyloid-beta (Abeta) plaques and neurofibrillary tangles in the brain, accompanied by synaptic dysfunction and neurodegeneration. Antibody-based immunotherapy against Abeta to trigger its clearance or mitigate its neurotoxicity has so far been unsuccessful.

In a new approach, investigators at the University of Zurich (Switzerland) in collaboration with colleagues at the biotech companies Biogen (Cambridge, MA, USA) and Neurimmune (Schlieren, Switzerland) have used the novel human monoclonal antibody aducanumab to treat AD.

Aducanumab was isolated initially from immune cells obtained from elderly individuals whose antibodies were able to identify toxic beta-amyloid plaques but not amyloid precursor protein. In a transgenic mouse model of AD, aducanumab was shown to enter the brain, bind parenchymal Abeta, and reduce soluble and insoluble Abeta in a dose-dependent manner.

A group of 165 patients with early-stage Alzheimer's disease were treated for one year with aducanumab in a phase 1b clinical trial. Results of the trial published in the August 31, 2016, online edition of the journal Nature revealed that aducanumab reduced brain Abeta in a dose- and time-dependent manner with only minimal adverse side effects. Treatment was accompanied by a slowing of cognitive decline.

"The results of this clinical study make us optimistic that we can potentially make a great step forward in treating Alzheimer's disease," said contributing author Dr. Roger M. Nitsch, professor of medicine at the University of Zurich. "The effect of the antibody is very impressive. And the outcome is dependent on the dosage and length of treatment. Aducanumab also showed positive effects on clinical symptoms. While patients in the placebo group exhibited significant cognitive decline, cognitive ability remained distinctly more stable in patients receiving the antibody."

Evaluation of aducanumab will continue in two large phase three clinical studies that will further examine its safety and efficacy for treating AD. These studies involve more than 2,700 patients in 300 centers in 20 countries throughout North America, Europe, and Asia.

Related Links:
University of Zurich
Biogen
Neurimmune
Platinum Member
COVID-19 Rapid Test
OSOM COVID-19 Antigen Rapid Test
HLX
Complement 3 (C3) Test
GPP-100 C3 Kit
New
Gold Member
Systemic Autoimmune Testing Assay
BioPlex 2200 ANA Screen with MDSS

Print article

Channels

Clinical Chemistry

view channel
Image: Reaching speeds up to 6,000 RPM, this centrifuge forms the basis for a new type of inexpensive, POC biomedical test (Photo courtesy of Duke University)

POC Biomedical Test Spins Water Droplet Using Sound Waves for Cancer Detection

Exosomes, tiny cellular bioparticles carrying a specific set of proteins, lipids, and genetic materials, play a crucial role in cell communication and hold promise for non-invasive diagnostics.... Read more

Molecular Diagnostics

view channel
Image: The study showed the blood-based cancer screening test detects 83% of people with colorectal cancer with specificity of 90% (Photo courtesy of Guardant Health)

Blood Test Shows 83% Accuracy for Detecting Colorectal Cancer

Colorectal cancer is the second biggest cause of cancer deaths among adults in the U.S., with forecasts suggesting 53,010 people might die from it in 2024. While fewer older adults are dying from this... Read more

Hematology

view channel
Image: The Gazelle Hb Variant Test (Photo courtesy of Hemex Health)

First Affordable and Rapid Test for Beta Thalassemia Demonstrates 99% Diagnostic Accuracy

Hemoglobin disorders rank as some of the most prevalent monogenic diseases globally. Among various hemoglobin disorders, beta thalassemia, a hereditary blood disorder, affects about 1.5% of the world's... Read more

Microbiology

view channel
Image: The new platform is designed to perform blood-based diagnoses of nontuberculosis mycobacteria (Photo courtesy of 123RF)

New Blood Test Cuts Diagnosis Time for Nontuberculous Mycobacteria Infections from Months to Hours

Breathing in nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) is a common experience for many people. These bacteria are present in water systems, soil, and dust all over the world and usually don't cause any problems.... Read more

Industry

view channel
Image: These new assays are being developed for use on the recently introduced DxI 9000 Immunoassay Analyzer (Photo courtesy of Beckman Coulter)

Beckman Coulter and Fujirebio Expand Partnership on Neurodegenerative Disease Diagnostics

Beckman Coulter Diagnostics (Brea, CA, USA) and Fujirebio Diagnostics (Tokyo, Japan) have expanded their partnership focused on the development, manufacturing and clinical adoption of neurodegenerative... Read more
Copyright © 2000-2024 Globetech Media. All rights reserved.