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Alzheimer’s Association announces $7 million challenge to advance therapy development

The Alzheimer’s Association, in partnership with philanthropist Michaela “Mikey” Hoag, recently announced $7 million of funding for clinical trials that target brain inflammation for Alzheimer’s disease therapy.

“Innovative paths to discovery are critical to advancing Alzheimer's disease research,” Maria Carrillo, PhD, chief science officer of the Alzheimer's Association, said in a press release. “We welcome the collaboration with Mikey and other donors to provide a blueprint for targeting new avenues for Alzheimer's treatment, and overcoming funding challenges to maximize our chances for success.”

Maria Carrillo

Four clinical trials will each receive $1 million over 2 years for either a phase 1 or phase 2 trial.

In a unique, goal-driven competition, the trial with the most potential translation to advanced clinical trials will receive an additional $3 million to further development.

Research will be evaluated for the ability to advance human testing.

The funded trials include:

• A phase 2 clinical trial of Leukine (sargramostim, Sanofi-Aventis), an FDA-approved drug for reducing and preventing infection in individuals who have received chemotherapy, to slow or prevent Alzheimer’s disease progression;
• A phase 2 clinical trial assessing Sativex, a cannabis-based liquid medication, to reduce brain inflammation and slow progression of Alzheimer’s disease in individuals with mild cognitive impairment;
• A phase 2 clinical trial of Senicapoc, a potential therapy for prevention and treatment of hemolysis-associated complications in sickle cell anemia, for reduction of brain inflammation and memory improvement in individuals with early Alzheimer’s disease or mild cognitive impairment; and
• A phase 1 clinical trial assessing safety and efficacy of a new therapy from Logeveron LLC that utilizes stem cells from healthy adults for reduction of brain inflammation among individuals with mild Alzheimer’s disease.

“Increasing evidence suggests neuroinflammation plays an important role in the brain changes that occur in Alzheimer’s and other neurodegenerative diseases,” Carrillo said. “By further understanding the role and the timing of neuroinflammation and immune responses, we will be able to further accelerate novel candidate Alzheimer’s therapies.”