MUST READS

A December 4, 2019 Biopharma Dive article highlighted Biogen’s big announcement this morning at CTAD on latest data findings from its aducanumab EMERGE trial. Stakeholders will be watching closely for clarification on several key issues including statistical methodology, safety and high non-completion rates. According to the article, “Biogen argues that reducing clinical decline by 20% or more compared to placebo represents a clinical meaningful response. But whether a 20% reduction, or 23% reduction for that matter, actually improves patients' disease remains up for debate.” Also covered by Reuters.

A December 4, 2019 NBC News article focused on the potential use of FDA-approved pimavanserin (sold as Nuplazid) to treat behavioral symptoms of dementia, including delusions/hallucinations and aggression that can lead to physical attacks. Up to 30% of people with dementia develop psychosis. According to the article, “Current anti-psychotic medicines have some major drawbacks and are not approved for dementia patients. “They're often used off label because we have very few other options,” [Alzheimer’s Drug Discovery Foundation’s Howard] Fillit said.”

RESEARCH AND SCIENCE

A December 3, 2019 Futurity article reported that new data shows that exposure to cadmium, a carcinogenic, toxic heavy metal found in cigarette smoke, leads to accelerated cognitive impairment. Those with genetic risk for Alzheimer’s disease, especially men, are most vulnerable. “Our study provides direct evidence for an interaction between this Alzheimer’s genetic risk gene and environmental exposures on accelerated cognitive impairment,” said study author Zhengui Xia of the University of Washington’s School of Public Health.

BRAIN HEALTH

A December 4, 2019 Medpage Today article looked at longitudinal, cognitive effects of an Antarctic expedition influenced by factors such as extended social isolation and environmental deprivation (prolonged darkness).Before-and-after MRI scans showed reductions in hippocampal volume of the dentate gyrus, lower brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels, and lower performance in spatial processing and selective attention tests. “Our work highlights the critical role of the physical and social environment to preserve hippocampal plasticity and cognitive function in humans experiencing prolonged isolation and confinement,” said Alexander Stahn, PhD of Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin and the University of Pennsylvania.