Alzheimer's disease is a progressive brain disorder that slowly destroys memory, thinking skills, and eventually the ability to carry out the simplest tasks. It is the most common cause of dementia in older adults.
Two studies identify protein recycling dysfunction and transcription factors ZSCAN20/JDP2 as drivers of T-cell exhaustion, with E3 ligases and gene deactivation offering reversal pathways. A third study finds TCF1 insufficient to revert terminally exhausted T cells.
GLP-1 drugs are still being studied for Alzheimer’s and addiction after semaglutide failed to slow cognitive decline in Alzheimer’s. A 2025 abstract reported semaglutide slowed cognitive impairment in an Alzheimer’s model.
Biopharma companies face a $275b patent cliff as licensing activity shifts toward China. China represented almost half of 2025 licensing activity and contributes about 30% of the global biotech pipeline.
A major evidence review of 17 clinical trials involving more than 20,000 participants found anti-amyloid Alzheimer’s drugs had absent or trivial effects on cognitive decline and dementia. The review also said the drugs likely increase the risk of brain swelling and bleeding.
A new Cochrane review said anti-amyloid Alzheimer’s drugs show no clinically meaningful benefit, but many researchers said the analysis has major limitations. Newer evidence on lecanemab and donanemab and broader drug development efforts continue to shape the field.
A review of 17 studies involving 20,342 patients found anti-amyloid Alzheimer’s drugs had “trivial” effects after 18 months and increased the risk of brain swelling and bleeding. A separate PET study suggested ARIA-E may mark brain regions with greater amyloid plaque reduction.
University of Missouri researchers released PSBench, a database of 1.4 million annotated protein structure models verified by independent experts. The resource aims to improve AI assessment of protein models as biologic drug discovery moves toward data-driven design.
Alzamend Neuro reports pharmacodynamic data showing AL001 may have a distinct brain interaction profile compared to lithium carbonate, with potential tolerability advantages. The Phase II trial analysis suggests AL001 affects key brain metabolites differently while maintaining lithium's core mechanism of action. Further confirmatory studies are planned to validate these initial findings.
Trump administration cuts to U.S. science funding have raised fears of a brain drain, with thousands of grants cancelled and researchers moving abroad. Experts warned the losses could damage biomedical innovation and the economy.
A 16-year study links higher vitamin D levels in middle age to lower tau protein deposits in the brain, while a major COVID-19 trial finds vitamin D doesn't reduce acute severity but may help with long COVID recovery. Separate research shows supplementation improves vitamin D levels and stabilizes immune profiles in athletes and non-athletes.
| NCT ID | Title | Status | Phase |
|---|---|---|---|
| NCT05655195 |
Chronic Treatment of Alzheimer's Disease by Gamma Light and Sound Therapy |
RECRUITING | NA |
| NCT03090516 |
Clinical Efficacy of Ginkgo Biloba Extract in the Treatment of Alzheimer's Disease |
UNKNOWN | PHASE2/PHASE3 |
| NCT00209456 |
Dopamine Transporter Scintigraphy Imaging (DAT-Imaging) in Patients With Lewy Body Dementia |
COMPLETED | PHASE3 |
