USA2 SPOTLIGHT

(ICYMI) A September 20, 2019 MiBiz article focused on Tetra Therapeutics’ Phase 2 clinical trial of BPN14770 for the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease. Currently enrolling ahead of schedule, the trial is projected to complete by early 2020, with results mid-year. Nearly two-thirds of those enrolled are Hispanic. According to LatinosAgainstAlzheimer's lead Jason Resendez, “By 2030, nearly 40 percent of Americans living with Alzheimer’s will be Latino or African American and our healthcare system is woefully unprepared for this shift. Given the increased risk of Alzheimer’s among Latinos, it is absolutely critical that we promote diversity and inclusion in Alzheimer’s research, care, and treatment.”

RESEARCH AND SCIENCE

A September 30, 2019 UCI News article spotlighted work from University of California, Irvine scientists looking at the link between the TOM-1 protein, inflammation and Alzheimer’s disease. TOM-1 helps regulate a key component of the inflammatory response. “You can think of TOM-1 as being like the brakes of a car, and the brakes aren’t working for people with Alzheimer’s. This research shows that fixing the brakes at the molecular level could provide an entirely new therapeutic avenue. With millions of people affected by Alzheimers and the numbers growing, we must research a diverse portfolio of approaches so we can one day vanquish this terrible disease,” said School of Biological Sciences Dean Frank LaFerla, PhD.

REGIONAL HIGHLIGHTS

According to an October 1, 2019 News at IU article, Indiana University School of Medicine, in partnership with the Purdue Institute for Drug Discovery, has been awarded $36 million over five years from the NIH to launch a drug discovery center to accelerate treatments for Alzheimer's disease. The center’s first focus will be on the brain's immune system proteins which may contribute to AD. “The emergence of centers like this, which can not only perform cutting-edge science but also inform the  community with results, are going to be important partners with all groups who are committed to creating breakthrough therapies,” said Center lead Alan Palkowitz.

A September 30, 2019 Philly Voice article reported that the NIA funded four projects at the University of Pennsylvania’s Center for Neurodegenerative Disease Research to study genetic risk factors for and connections between Alzheimer’s, dementia and Parkinson's disease. All three conditions are characterized by misshapen alpha-synuclein proteins. 50 to 80 percent of people with Parkinson's will eventually experience dementia.  

EVENTS AND RESOURCES

A September 30, 2019 CISION PR Newswire release from Alzheimer's Foundation of America announced they are extending their National Toll-Free Helpline weekend hours. The helpline provides assistance, support and resources for people with Alzheimer's disease and caregivers, and is staffed by licensed social workers trained in dementia care. “No one should have to deal with Alzheimer's alone, because help and support are available. As the number of people with Alzheimer's continues to grow, so too does the number of caregivers who need support. Expanding our helpline hours is another way we can help families affected by Alzheimer's in their time of need,” said AFA lead Charles J. Fuschillo, Jr.