Alzheimer's Updates: Axsome's AXS-05, Semaglutide Trials, and Gut Microbiome Links
Key Insights
Axsome Therapeutics' AXS-05 met its primary endpoint in a Phase III trial for Alzheimer's disease (search) agitation, showing promise for managing this challenging symptom.
Clinical trials investigating semaglutide (Ozempic, Wegovy) as a potential early treatment for Alzheimer's disease (search) are anticipated to conclude in 2025.
Research links Alzheimer's disease (search)-associated CD83(+) microglia with increased immunoglobulin G4 and human cytomegalovirus in the gut, vagal nerve, and brain, suggesting a microbiome connection.
Axsome Therapeutics has announced positive results from its ACCORD-2 phase III trial of AXS-05 (dextromethorphan-bupropion) in patients with agitation related to Alzheimer's disease (search). The trial met its primary endpoint, offering a potential new treatment option for this common and distressing symptom.
Semaglutide as a Potential Alzheimer's Therapy
Two clinical trials are underway to evaluate semaglutide (Ozempic, Wegovy) as a possible early intervention for Alzheimer's disease (search). Results from these trials are expected in 2025, and could offer a novel approach to disease modification.
Gut Microbiome and Alzheimer's Disease
Emerging research suggests a link between the gut microbiome and Alzheimer's disease (search). A recent study found that Alzheimer's disease-associated CD83(+) microglia were associated with increased immunoglobulin G4 and human cytomegalovirus in the gut, vagal nerve, and brain, highlighting a potential role for the gut-brain axis in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's.
Other Alzheimer's Updates
A phase IIa trial investigating nicotinamide in individuals with mild cognitive impairment or mild dementia (search) found the treatment to be safe but ineffective in altering Alzheimer's biomarkers.