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Lee JY, Lim MCX, Koh RY, Tsen MT, Chye SM. Blood-based therapies to combat neurodegenerative diseases. Metab Brain Dis 2024:10.1007/s11011-024-01368-x. [PMID: 38842660 DOI: 10.1007/s11011-024-01368-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2023] [Accepted: 05/31/2024] [Indexed: 06/07/2024]
Abstract
Neurodegeneration, known as the progressive loss of neurons in terms of their structure and function, is the principal pathophysiological change found in the majority of brain-related disorders. Ageing has been considered the most well-established risk factor in most common neurodegenerative diseases, such as Parkinson's disease (PD) and Alzheimer's disease (AD). There is currently no effective treatment or cure for these diseases; the approved therapeutic options to date are only for palliative care. Ageing and neurodegenerative diseases are closely intertwined; reversing the aspects of brain ageing could theoretically mitigate age-related neurodegeneration. Ever since the regenerative properties of young blood on aged tissues came to light, substantial efforts have been focused on identifying and characterizing the circulating factors in the young and old systemic milieu that may attenuate or accentuate brain ageing and neurodegeneration. Later studies discovered the superiority of old plasma dilution in tissue rejuvenation, which is achieved through a molecular reset of the systemic proteome. These findings supported the use of therapeutic blood exchange for the treatment of degenerative diseases in older individuals. The first objective of this article is to explore the rejuvenating properties of blood-based therapies in the ageing brains and their therapeutic effects on AD. Then, we also look into the clinical applications, various limitations, and challenges associated with blood-based therapies for AD patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jia Yee Lee
- School of Health Science, International Medical University, 57000, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Mervyn Chen Xi Lim
- School of Health Science, International Medical University, 57000, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Rhun Yian Koh
- Division of Applied Biomedical Science and Biotechnology, School of Health Science, International Medical University, No. 126, Jalan Jalil Perkasa 19, Bukit Jalil, 57000, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Min Tze Tsen
- Division of Applied Biomedical Science and Biotechnology, School of Health Science, International Medical University, No. 126, Jalan Jalil Perkasa 19, Bukit Jalil, 57000, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Soi Moi Chye
- Division of Applied Biomedical Science and Biotechnology, School of Health Science, International Medical University, No. 126, Jalan Jalil Perkasa 19, Bukit Jalil, 57000, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
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Cardim-Pires TR, de Rus Jacquet A, Cicchetti F. Healthy blood, healthy brain: a window into understanding and treating neurodegenerative diseases. J Neurol 2024; 271:3682-3689. [PMID: 38607433 DOI: 10.1007/s00415-024-12337-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2024] [Revised: 03/17/2024] [Accepted: 03/18/2024] [Indexed: 04/13/2024]
Abstract
Our limited understanding of complex neurodegenerative disorders has held us back on the development of efficient therapies. While several approaches are currently being considered, it is still unclear what will be most successful. Among the latest and more novel ideas, the concept of blood or plasma transfusion from young healthy donors to diseased patients is gaining momentum and attracting attention beyond the scientific arena. While young or healthy blood is enriched with protective and restorative components, blood from older subjects may accumulate neurotoxic agents or be impoverished of beneficial factors. In this commentary, we present an overview of the compelling evidence collected in various animal models of brain diseases (e.g., Alzheimer, Parkinson, Huntington) to the actual clinical trials that have been conducted to test the validity of blood-related treatments in neurodegenerative diseases and argue in favor of such approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thyago R Cardim-Pires
- Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec, Université Laval, Axe Neurosciences, T2-07, 2705, Boulevard Laurier, Québec, QC, G1V 4G2, Canada
| | - Aurélie de Rus Jacquet
- Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec, Université Laval, Axe Neurosciences, T2-07, 2705, Boulevard Laurier, Québec, QC, G1V 4G2, Canada
- Département de Psychiatrie & Neurosciences, Université Laval, Québec, QC, G1K 0A6, Canada
| | - Francesca Cicchetti
- Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec, Université Laval, Axe Neurosciences, T2-07, 2705, Boulevard Laurier, Québec, QC, G1V 4G2, Canada.
- Département de Psychiatrie & Neurosciences, Université Laval, Québec, QC, G1K 0A6, Canada.
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Bayram E, Batzu L, Tilley B, Gandhi R, Jagota P, Biundo R, Garon M, Prasertpan T, Lazcano-Ocampo C, Chaudhuri KR, Weil RS. Clinical trials for cognition in Parkinson's disease: Where are we and how can we do better? Parkinsonism Relat Disord 2023; 112:105385. [PMID: 37031010 PMCID: PMC10330317 DOI: 10.1016/j.parkreldis.2023.105385] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2022] [Revised: 03/24/2023] [Accepted: 03/25/2023] [Indexed: 03/31/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cognitive impairment is common in Parkinson's disease (PD) and has a substantial impact on quality of life. Despite numerous trials targeting various PD features, we still lack effective treatments for cognition beyond cholinesterase inhibitors. OBJECTIVE To identify the gaps in recent clinical trials with cognitive outcomes in PD and consider areas for improvement. METHODS We examined recent clinical trials with cognitive outcomes in PD registered on ClinicalTrials.gov, excluding trials without cognitive outcomes, non-interventional studies, and in atypical Parkinsonian disorders. Included trials were categorized by treatment approach (investigational medicinal product, behavioral, physical activity, device-based). Details of trial design and outcomes were collected. RESULTS 178 trials at different stages of trial completion were considered. 46 trials were completed, 25 had available results. Mean follow-up duration was 29.9 weeks. Most common cognitive measure was Montreal Cognitive Assessment. Most were performed in North America or Europe. Majority of the participants identified as non-Hispanic and White. Only eight trials showed improvement in cognition, none showed improvement beyond four months. These included trials of international medicinal products, cognitive and physical interventions and devices. GRADE certainty levels ranged from Moderate to Very Low. Only mevidalen had a Moderate certainty for potential clinical effectiveness. CONCLUSIONS Amongst a large number of trials for cognition in PD, only a small proportion were completed. Few showed significant improvement, with no proven long-lasting effects. Trial design, lack of enrichment for at-risk groups, short follow-up duration, insensitive outcome measures likely contribute to lack of detectable benefit and should be considered in future trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ece Bayram
- Parkinson and Other Movement Disorders Center, Department of Neurosciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA.
| | - Lucia Batzu
- Department of Basic and Clinical Neurosciences, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK; Parkinson's Foundation Centre of Excellence, King's College Hospital, London, UK.
| | - Bension Tilley
- Dementia Research Centre, University College London, London, UK; Department of Brain Sciences, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Rhea Gandhi
- Parkinson and Other Movement Disorders Center, Department of Neurosciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Priya Jagota
- Chulalongkorn Centre of Excellence for Parkinson's Disease and Related Disorders, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University and King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital, Thai Red Cross Society, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Roberta Biundo
- Department of General Psychology, University of Padua, Padua, Italy; Study Center for Neurodegeneration (CESNE), University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Michela Garon
- Parkinson and Movement Disorders Unit, Department of Neuroscience, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Tittaya Prasertpan
- Chulalongkorn Centre of Excellence for Parkinson's Disease and Related Disorders, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University and King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital, Thai Red Cross Society, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Claudia Lazcano-Ocampo
- Department of Basic and Clinical Neurosciences, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK; Department of Neurology, Hospital Sotero del Rio, Santiago, Chile
| | - K Ray Chaudhuri
- Department of Basic and Clinical Neurosciences, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK; Parkinson's Foundation Centre of Excellence, King's College Hospital, London, UK
| | - Rimona S Weil
- Dementia Research Centre, University College London, London, UK; Movement Disorders Centre, University College London, London, UK
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Rieux M, Alpaugh M, Salem S, Siddu A, Saint-Pierre M, Denis HL, Rohweder H, Herrmann F, Bazenet C, Lacroix S, Cicchetti F. Understanding the role of the hematopoietic niche in Huntington's disease's phenotypic expression: in vivo evidence using a parabiosis model. Neurobiol Dis 2023; 180:106091. [PMID: 36967065 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2023.106091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2023] [Revised: 03/06/2023] [Accepted: 03/16/2023] [Indexed: 03/31/2023] Open
Abstract
In a previous study, we have shown that parabiotic coupling of a knock-in mouse model (zQ175) of Huntington's disease (HD) to wild-type (WT) littermates resulted in a worsening of the normal phenotype as seen by detection of mutant huntingtin protein (mHTT) aggregates within peripheral organs and the cerebral cortex as well as vascular abnormalities in WT mice. In contrast, parabiosis improved disease features in the zQ175 mice such as reduction of mHTT aggregate number in the liver and cortex, decrease in blood-brain barrier (BBB) permeability and attenuation of mitochondrial impairments. While the shared circulation mediated these effects, no specific factor was identified. To better understand which blood elements were involved in the aforementioned changes, WT and zQ175 mice underwent parabiotic surgery prior to exposing one of the paired animals to irradiation. The irradiation procedure successfully eliminated the hematopoietic niche followed by repopulation with cells originating from the non-irradiated parabiont, as measured by the quantification of mHTT levels in peripheral blood mononuclear cells. Although irradiation of the WT parabiont, causing the loss of healthy hematopoietic cells, did lead to a few alterations in mitochondrial function in the muscle (TOM40 levels), and increased neuroinflammation in the striatum (GFAP levels), most of the changes observed were likely attributable to the irradiation procedure itself (e.g. mHTT aggregates in cortex and liver; cellular stress in peripheral organs). However, factors such as mHTT aggregation in the brain and periphery, and BBB leakage, which were improved in zQ175 mice when paired to WT littermates in the previous parabiosis experiment, were unaffected by perturbation of the hematopoietic niche. It would therefore appear that cells of the hematopoietic stem cell niche are largely uninvolved in the beneficial effects of parabiosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marie Rieux
- Centre de recherche du CHU de Québec - Université Laval, Axe neurosciences, 2705 Boulevard Laurier, Québec, QC G1V 4G2, Canada; Département de médecine moléculaire, Université Laval, 1050 avenue de la Médecine, Québec, QC G1V 0A6, Canada
| | - Melanie Alpaugh
- Centre de recherche du CHU de Québec - Université Laval, Axe neurosciences, 2705 Boulevard Laurier, Québec, QC G1V 4G2, Canada; Département de psychiatrie & neurosciences, Université Laval, 1050 avenue de la Médecine, Québec, QC G1V 0A6, Canada
| | - Shireen Salem
- Centre de recherche du CHU de Québec - Université Laval, Axe neurosciences, 2705 Boulevard Laurier, Québec, QC G1V 4G2, Canada; Département de médecine moléculaire, Université Laval, 1050 avenue de la Médecine, Québec, QC G1V 0A6, Canada
| | - Alberto Siddu
- Centre de recherche du CHU de Québec - Université Laval, Axe neurosciences, 2705 Boulevard Laurier, Québec, QC G1V 4G2, Canada; Département de psychiatrie & neurosciences, Université Laval, 1050 avenue de la Médecine, Québec, QC G1V 0A6, Canada
| | - Martine Saint-Pierre
- Centre de recherche du CHU de Québec - Université Laval, Axe neurosciences, 2705 Boulevard Laurier, Québec, QC G1V 4G2, Canada
| | - Hélèna L Denis
- Centre de recherche du CHU de Québec - Université Laval, Axe neurosciences, 2705 Boulevard Laurier, Québec, QC G1V 4G2, Canada; Département de psychiatrie & neurosciences, Université Laval, 1050 avenue de la Médecine, Québec, QC G1V 0A6, Canada
| | | | | | | | - Steve Lacroix
- Centre de recherche du CHU de Québec - Université Laval, Axe neurosciences, 2705 Boulevard Laurier, Québec, QC G1V 4G2, Canada; Département de médecine moléculaire, Université Laval, 1050 avenue de la Médecine, Québec, QC G1V 0A6, Canada
| | - Francesca Cicchetti
- Centre de recherche du CHU de Québec - Université Laval, Axe neurosciences, 2705 Boulevard Laurier, Québec, QC G1V 4G2, Canada; Département de médecine moléculaire, Université Laval, 1050 avenue de la Médecine, Québec, QC G1V 0A6, Canada; Département de psychiatrie & neurosciences, Université Laval, 1050 avenue de la Médecine, Québec, QC G1V 0A6, Canada.
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Höving AL, Schmidt KE, Kaltschmidt B, Kaltschmidt C, Knabbe C. The Role of Blood-Derived Factors in Protection and Regeneration of Aged Tissues. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23179626. [PMID: 36077021 PMCID: PMC9455681 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23179626] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2022] [Revised: 08/17/2022] [Accepted: 08/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Tissue regeneration substantially relies on the functionality of tissue-resident endogenous adult stem cell populations. However, during aging, a progressive decline in organ function and regenerative capacities impedes endogenous repair processes. Especially the adult human heart is considered as an organ with generally low regenerative capacities. Interestingly, beneficial effects of systemic factors carried by young blood have been described in diverse organs including the heart, brain and skeletal muscle of the murine system. Thus, the interest in young blood or blood components as potential therapeutic agents to target age-associated malignancies led to a wide range of preclinical and clinical research. However, the translation of promising results from the murine to the human system remains difficult. Likewise, the establishment of adequate cellular models could help to study the effects of human blood plasma on the regeneration of human tissues and particularly the heart. Facing this challenge, this review describes the current knowledge of blood plasma-mediated protection and regeneration of aging tissues. The current status of preclinical and clinical research examining blood borne factors that act in stem cell-based tissue maintenance and regeneration is summarized. Further, examples of cellular model systems for a more detailed examination of selected regulatory pathways are presented.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna L. Höving
- Heart and Diabetes Centre NRW, Institute for Laboratory and Transfusion Medicine, Ruhr-University Bochum, 32545 Bad Oeynhausen, Germany
- Department of Cell Biology, Faculty of Biology, Bielefeld University, 33615 Bielefeld, Germany
- Correspondence:
| | - Kazuko E. Schmidt
- Heart and Diabetes Centre NRW, Institute for Laboratory and Transfusion Medicine, Ruhr-University Bochum, 32545 Bad Oeynhausen, Germany
- Department of Cell Biology, Faculty of Biology, Bielefeld University, 33615 Bielefeld, Germany
| | - Barbara Kaltschmidt
- AG Molecular Neurobiology, Faculty of Biology, Bielefeld University, 33615 Bielefeld, Germany
| | - Christian Kaltschmidt
- Department of Cell Biology, Faculty of Biology, Bielefeld University, 33615 Bielefeld, Germany
| | - Cornelius Knabbe
- Heart and Diabetes Centre NRW, Institute for Laboratory and Transfusion Medicine, Ruhr-University Bochum, 32545 Bad Oeynhausen, Germany
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Pirooznia SK, Rosenthal LS, Dawson VL, Dawson TM. Parkinson Disease: Translating Insights from Molecular Mechanisms to Neuroprotection. Pharmacol Rev 2021; 73:33-97. [PMID: 34663684 DOI: 10.1124/pharmrev.120.000189] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Parkinson disease (PD) used to be considered a nongenetic condition. However, the identification of several autosomal dominant and recessive mutations linked to monogenic PD has changed this view. Clinically manifest PD is then thought to occur through a complex interplay between genetic mutations, many of which have incomplete penetrance, and environmental factors, both neuroprotective and increasing susceptibility, which variably interact to reach a threshold over which PD becomes clinically manifested. Functional studies of PD gene products have identified many cellular and molecular pathways, providing crucial insights into the nature and causes of PD. PD originates from multiple causes and a range of pathogenic processes at play, ultimately culminating in nigral dopaminergic loss and motor dysfunction. An in-depth understanding of these complex and possibly convergent pathways will pave the way for therapeutic approaches to alleviate the disease symptoms and neuroprotective strategies to prevent disease manifestations. This review is aimed at providing a comprehensive understanding of advances made in PD research based on leveraging genetic insights into the pathogenesis of PD. It further discusses novel perspectives to facilitate identification of critical molecular pathways that are central to neurodegeneration that hold the potential to develop neuroprotective and/or neurorestorative therapeutic strategies for PD. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: A comprehensive review of PD pathophysiology is provided on the complex interplay of genetic and environmental factors and biologic processes that contribute to PD pathogenesis. This knowledge identifies new targets that could be leveraged into disease-modifying therapies to prevent or slow neurodegeneration in PD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sheila K Pirooznia
- Neuroregeneration and Stem Cell Programs, Institute for Cell Engineering (S.K.P., V.L.D., T.M.D.), Departments of Neurology (S.K.P., L.S.R., V.L.D., T.M.D.), Departments of Physiology (V.L.D.), Solomon H. Snyder Department of Neuroscience (V.L.D., T.M.D.), Department of Pharmacology and Molecular Sciences (T.M.D.), Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland; Adrienne Helis Malvin Medical Research Foundation, New Orleans, Louisiana (S.K.P., V.L.D., T.M.D.); and Diana Helis Henry Medical Research Foundation, New Orleans, Louisiana (S.K.P., V.L.D., T.M.D.)
| | - Liana S Rosenthal
- Neuroregeneration and Stem Cell Programs, Institute for Cell Engineering (S.K.P., V.L.D., T.M.D.), Departments of Neurology (S.K.P., L.S.R., V.L.D., T.M.D.), Departments of Physiology (V.L.D.), Solomon H. Snyder Department of Neuroscience (V.L.D., T.M.D.), Department of Pharmacology and Molecular Sciences (T.M.D.), Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland; Adrienne Helis Malvin Medical Research Foundation, New Orleans, Louisiana (S.K.P., V.L.D., T.M.D.); and Diana Helis Henry Medical Research Foundation, New Orleans, Louisiana (S.K.P., V.L.D., T.M.D.)
| | - Valina L Dawson
- Neuroregeneration and Stem Cell Programs, Institute for Cell Engineering (S.K.P., V.L.D., T.M.D.), Departments of Neurology (S.K.P., L.S.R., V.L.D., T.M.D.), Departments of Physiology (V.L.D.), Solomon H. Snyder Department of Neuroscience (V.L.D., T.M.D.), Department of Pharmacology and Molecular Sciences (T.M.D.), Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland; Adrienne Helis Malvin Medical Research Foundation, New Orleans, Louisiana (S.K.P., V.L.D., T.M.D.); and Diana Helis Henry Medical Research Foundation, New Orleans, Louisiana (S.K.P., V.L.D., T.M.D.)
| | - Ted M Dawson
- Neuroregeneration and Stem Cell Programs, Institute for Cell Engineering (S.K.P., V.L.D., T.M.D.), Departments of Neurology (S.K.P., L.S.R., V.L.D., T.M.D.), Departments of Physiology (V.L.D.), Solomon H. Snyder Department of Neuroscience (V.L.D., T.M.D.), Department of Pharmacology and Molecular Sciences (T.M.D.), Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland; Adrienne Helis Malvin Medical Research Foundation, New Orleans, Louisiana (S.K.P., V.L.D., T.M.D.); and Diana Helis Henry Medical Research Foundation, New Orleans, Louisiana (S.K.P., V.L.D., T.M.D.)
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Current Therapies in Clinical Trials of Parkinson's Disease: A 2021 Update. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2021; 14:ph14080717. [PMID: 34451813 PMCID: PMC8398928 DOI: 10.3390/ph14080717] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2021] [Revised: 07/15/2021] [Accepted: 07/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Parkinson's disease (PD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder that currently has no cure, but treatments are available to improve PD symptoms and maintain quality of life. In 2020, about 10 million people worldwide were living with PD. In 1970, the United States Food and Drug Administration approved the drug levodopa as a dopamine replacement to manage PD motor symptoms; levodopa-carbidopa combination became commercialized in 1975. After over 50 years of use, levodopa is still the gold standard for PD treatment. Unfortunately, levodopa therapy-induced dyskinesia and OFF symptoms remain unresolved. Therefore, we urgently need to analyze each current clinical trial's status and therapeutic strategy to discover new therapeutic approaches for PD treatment. We surveyed 293 registered clinical trials on ClinicalTrials.gov from 2008 to 16 June 2021. After excluded levodopa/carbidopa derivative add-on therapies, we identified 47 trials as PD treatment drugs or therapies. Among them, 19 trials are in phase I (41%), 25 trials are in phase II (53%), and 3 trials are in phase III (6%). The three phase-III trials use embryonic dopamine cell implant, 5-HT1A receptor agonist (sarizotan), and adenosine A2A receptor antagonist (caffeine). The therapeutic strategy of each trial shows 29, 5, 1, 5, 5, and 2 trials use small molecules, monoclonal antibodies, plasma therapy, cell therapy, gene therapy, and herbal extract, respectively. Additionally, we discuss the most potent drug or therapy among these trials. By systematically updating the current trial status and analyzing the therapeutic strategies, we hope this review can provide new ideas and insights for PD therapy development.
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Hannestad J, Duclos T, Chao W, Koborsi K, Klutzaritz V, Beck B, Patel AK, Scott J, Thein SG, Cummings JL, Kay G, Braithwaite S, Nikolich K. Safety and Tolerability of GRF6019 Infusions in Severe Alzheimer's Disease: A Phase II Double-Blind Placebo-Controlled Trial. J Alzheimers Dis 2021; 81:1649-1662. [PMID: 33967047 DOI: 10.3233/jad-210011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The plasma fraction GRF6019 shows multiple benefits on brain aging in mice, including enhanced cognition, neurogenesis, and synaptic density, as well as reduced neuroinflammation. OBJECTIVE To evaluate the safety, tolerability, and preliminary efficacy of GRF6019 in patients with severe Alzheimer's disease (AD). METHODS A phase II, double-blind, placebo-controlled study in patients with severe AD (Mini-Mental State Examination score 0-10). Patients were randomized 2 : 1 to GRF6019 (N = 18) or placebo (N = 8) and received daily 250 mL intravenous infusions over 5 days. The primary endpoints were the rates of adverse events (AEs) and the tolerability of GRF6019 as assessed by the number of patients completing the study. Change from baseline in cognitive and functional assessments was also evaluated. RESULTS All patients completed 100%of study visits and infusions. The rate of AEs was similar in the GRF6019 (8/18 patients [44.4%]) and placebo (3/8 patients [37.5%]) groups, and there were no deaths or serious AEs. The most common AEs considered related to treatment were mild, transient changes in blood pressure in the GRF6019 group (hypotension: 2 patients [11.1%]; hypertension: 1 patient [5.6%]); there were no related AEs in the placebo group. The trial was not powered to detect statistically significant differences between treatment groups. At the end of the study, patients in both treatment groups remained stable or improved on all cognitive and functional endpoints. CONCLUSION GRF6019 demonstrated excellent safety, feasibility, and tolerability. Future trials designed to characterize the potential functional benefits of GRF6019 and related plasma fractions in severe AD are warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - James Scott
- Riverside Clinical Research, Edgewater, FL, USA
| | - Stephen G Thein
- Pacific Research Network -an ERG Portfolio Company, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Jeffrey L Cummings
- Chambers-Grundy Center for Transformative Neuroscience, Department of Brain Health, School of Integrated Health Sciences, University of Nevada Las Vegas, Las Vegas, NV, USA
| | - Gary Kay
- Cognitive Research Corporation, St. Petersburg, FL, USA
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