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* A GLP ~ A new study presented at the Alzheimer's Association International Conference® (AAIC®) 2024 has revealed promising results for a drug that may slow cognitive decline in individuals with Alzheimer's disease. The Phase 2b clinical trial data, reported by researchers today in Philadelphia and online, suggests that a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) drug can protect the brain and potentially reduce cognitive decline.

GLP-1 receptor agonists are drugs that mimic the natural hormone glucagon-like peptide released by the stomach after eating. These drugs are commonly used to manage diabetes, promote weight loss, and lower the risk of heart disease, stroke, and kidney disease. Previous research in animal models of Alzheimer's disease has shown that GLP-1 receptor agonists may have neuroprotective effects, reduce early forms of amyloid (a protein associated with Alzheimer's), normalize glucose processing in the brain, and improve memory and learning. The specific GLP-1 receptor agonist studied in this trial was liraglutide, manufactured by Novo Nordisk.

The new research presented at AAIC 2024 suggests that liraglutide may have a protective effect on the brains of individuals with mild Alzheimer's disease. After one year of treatment, those who received liraglutide showed an 18% reduction in cognitive decline compared to those who received a placebo. This was measured by slowing the shrinking of key areas of the brain responsible for memory, learning, language, and decision-making.

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Maria C. Carrillo, Ph.D., chief science officer and medical affairs lead for the Alzheimer's Association, expressed hope for these findings: "We are in an era of unprecedented promise with new treatments in development that may slow or even prevent cognitive decline due to Alzheimer's disease." She also noted that repurposing drugs already approved for other conditions has advantages such as providing data from previous research and practical use.

The Alzheimer's Association has invested over $82 million in the Part the Cloud research grants program, which has supported 68 clinical trials targeting various compounds, including repurposed drugs, to address different aspects of the disease.

The ELAD trial, led by Prof. Paul Edison, M.D., Ph.D., from Imperial College London, included 204 patients with mild Alzheimer's disease from 24 clinics in the United Kingdom. The participants were randomly assigned to receive either a daily subcutaneous injection of up to 1.8 mg of liraglutide or a placebo for one year. Before and after the study, all patients underwent magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to evaluate brain structure and volumes, glucose metabolism PET scans, and detailed memory testing.

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While the primary endpoint of change in cerebral glucose metabolic rate was not met, the secondary endpoint of change in clinical and cognitive measures showed significant benefit for those who received liraglutide. Additionally, an exploratory endpoint of brain volume also showed statistically significant improvement.

Dr. Edison explained that the slower loss of brain volume seen in those who received liraglutide suggests that the drug may protect the brain similarly to how statins protect the heart. He also noted that further research is needed to fully understand how liraglutide works but suggested that it may reduce inflammation in the brain, lower insulin resistance, and improve communication between nerve cells.

In terms of cognitive function, researchers found that those who received liraglutide had an 18% slower decline compared to those who received a placebo. This was measured by a composite score of 18 different tests assessing memory, comprehension, language, and spatial orientation.

Overall, this study provides hope for potential new treatments for Alzheimer's disease and highlights the importance of repurposing drugs already approved for other conditions. Further research is needed to fully understand how liraglutide works and its potential as a treatment for Alzheimer's disease.

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