Researchers at Ascension Alexian Brothers hospital in Elk Grove Village are breaking new ground in Alzheimer's treatment research, launching innovative clinical trials that could significantly improve therapeutic delivery and efficacy for patients with the neurodegenerative disorder.
The hospital, which previously contributed to the development of FDA-approved treatments donanemab (Kisunla) and lecanemab (Leqembi), is now investigating two promising new therapeutic approaches that could reshape Alzheimer's treatment paradigms.
Novel At-Home Treatment Under Investigation
A key focus is the evaluation of remternetug, an innovative medication derived from donanemab that targets amyloid proteins. Unlike current FDA-approved treatments that require monthly or bi-monthly intravenous infusions in clinical settings, remternetug is designed for subcutaneous administration.
"What is peculiar of this medication is that we are testing it 'sub q' (subcutaneously)," explains Dr. Concetta Forchetti, principal investigator at the hospital's neurosciences institute and medical director of the memory disorders center. "Instead of being given a monthly IV in a medical setting, the patient can do this at home on their own."
The trial is recruiting participants aged 55-80 who exhibit very early onset signs of dementia, reflecting the growing emphasis on early intervention in Alzheimer's treatment.
Targeting Tau Protein in Phase 2B Trial
Parallel to the remternetug study, researchers are conducting a Phase 2B clinical trial investigating a novel therapy targeting tau protein accumulation in the brain. This study involves approximately 400 participants aged 60-80 with early-to-mild dementia symptoms.
"The future is going to be when we can have an antibody or whatever treatment that can stop the tau from killing the brain cells," Dr. Forchetti notes. "It probably will be a cocktail of drugs that will include amyloid and tau blockers, and support for neuron regeneration to rebuild or protect those brain cells that are still functioning."
Comprehensive Care Approach
The hospital's memory disorders center maintains a robust clinical practice alongside its research initiatives. The center's integrated care team, including nurses, nurse practitioners, and social workers, evaluates 8-10 new patients weekly. Each patient undergoes comprehensive assessment including physical examination, cognitive testing, MRI, and blood work.
Dr. Forchetti emphasizes the critical importance of early diagnosis and treatment initiation. Based on current patient demographics at the center, approximately 25% present with early signs of dementia, 25% are severely impaired, and 50% show mild to moderate symptoms.
"The earlier you capture the symptoms and the disease and the earlier you start treatment, the most effective they will be," Dr. Forchetti stresses.
The center also provides extensive support services, including neuropsychological testing, talk therapy, and social work assistance for families navigating care options such as adult day care, in-home services, and residential facilities.
While current treatments focus on slowing disease progression rather than stopping it entirely, these new clinical trials represent important steps toward more effective and convenient therapeutic options for Alzheimer's patients.
