Crenezumab

Despite approvals for Leqembi and Kisunla, attrition in Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s pipelines persists, with Roche, Johnson & Johnson, Sage Therapeutics, and Otsuka discontinuing programs. Analysts attribute these decisions to clinical trial data and evolving commercial opportunities, noting the Alzheimer’s market is projected to be worth $15.5 billion by 2031, while Parkinson’s drugs are expected to reach $6.63 billion by 2029.

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.