researchers in University of Saskatchewan A new clinical trial to fight Alzheimer’s is being tested in Saskatoon.
“There is no cure for Alzheimer’s disease,” said Dr. Ron Geyer, a professor at the University of Saskatchewan. “Current treatments suppress the symptoms.”
NeuroEPO, a drug initially studied in Alzheimer’s patients, is being upgraded after very successful Phase 1 trials.
In the early stages, the drug has been shown to slow the progression of the disease and even reverse cognitive decline in some cases.
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“After one year of treatment, most people on the drug stabilize their cognitive function, and that’s 80 percent,” Geyer said.
“Fifty percent actually improved their cognitive function.”
The drug was designed to make more red blood cells in the body, which prevents cell death, and helps neurons in the brain grow.
The USask team is working with organizations across the city to recruit participants and will then set a date to begin the trial.
Participants will be given the drug through their nose three times a week.
“It’s like a smaller version of a COVID swab without the tickling part at the end,” Geyer said. “It extends to the back where you have sensory neurons for smell.”
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Direct nose-to-brain delivery works much faster than other methods and prevents negative side effects in other organs, as drug transmission takes only minutes.
“This will help them develop a better treatment plan and reduce the expectation of hospitalization.”
The program hopes to begin clinical trials this summer.
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