Bapineuzumab

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) involves progressive neurodegeneration, characterized by cognitive decline and accumulation of β-amyloid protein (Aβ) and neurofibrillary tangles (NFTs). Neuroinflammation, driven by microglia and astrocytes, plays a crucial role in AD pathogenesis. Microglia phagocytose Aβ but can exacerbate disease if overactivated. Astrocytes, though protective, can contribute to neuroinflammation and Aβ production when reactive. Current treatments, including monoclonal antibodies targeting Aβ, show promise but do not reverse disease. Future research aims to mitigate neuroinflammation and enhance protective microglia-astrocyte interactions for potential AD therapies.

Lecanemab 10 mg/kg biweekly showed dose-dependent reductions in brain amyloid, improved plasma biomarkers, and slowed cognitive decline in Alzheimer's patients. Treatment differences vs placebo were maintained over 24 months, with amyloid PET and plasma biomarkers indicating sustained effects. The study supports lecanemab's potential for disease modification in early AD stages.

Developing new biologic drugs for Alzheimer’s disease and brain aging requires overcoming the blood-brain barrier (BBB) challenge. Biologics, including recombinant proteins and gene therapies, cannot cross the BBB without re-engineering. Current approaches, like CSF injection, offer limited brain penetration. Advances in BBB delivery technology are crucial for effective brain drug development, enabling the engineering of therapeutics for brain entry. The future of brain drug development hinges on merging BBB delivery technology with drug and gene discovery.

Developing new biologic drugs for Alzheimer’s and brain aging is hindered by the blood-brain barrier (BBB). Biologics, like recombinant proteins or gene therapies, cannot cross the BBB without re-engineering or BBB delivery technology. Current methods, such as CSF injection, offer limited brain penetration. Advances in BBB delivery technology are crucial for effective brain drug development, enabling drugs to enter the brain from blood and potentially accelerating treatment for brain diseases.