MUST READS

According to a November 3, 2017 CNN article, a CNN investigation into Avanir Pharmaceuticals showed that its drug Nuedexta is not approved to treat dementia patients unless they also suffer from pseudobulbar affect (PBA), a rare laughing and crying disorder. Yet the drug was being used inappropriately and potentially fraudulently on nursing home residents to manage patients who are confused, agitated or unruly. The Los Angeles city attorney is launching an investigation.

A November 2, 2017 United States Postal Service post previewed the image that will be used on the Alzheimer’s Semipostal fundraising stamp. Available nationwide November 30, it will be sold for 60 cents which includes the first-class single-piece postage rate, plus an amount to fund Alzheimer’s research. Revenue from the stamps will be distributed to the National Institutes of Health. It will be dedicated on Thursday, November 30, 2017 at 10am at Johns Hopkins Asthma & Allergy Center Atrium in Baltimore, MD.

A November 2, 2017 Fortune article looked at the idea of preventing Alzheimer’s disease with the experimental CNP520. Drugmakers Novartis and Amgen teamed-up with Banner Alzheimer’s Institute, expanding their collaboration on the Alzheimer’s Prevention Initiative. According to Novartis’ Chief Medical Officer Dr. Vas Narasimhan, “If we determine that our [treatment] can prevent or delay the onset of symptoms in healthy yet high-risk populations, this would represent a tremendous breakthrough for those that may face this debilitating disease.” 

A November 2, 2017 The Kansas City Star article focused on a drug trial looking to enroll 10 to 20 people in the Kansas City area to delay or prevent Alzheimer’s disease. It will be open to people at high risk of AD because they carry the e4 type of the apolipoprotein E gene. The University of Kansas Alzheimer’s Disease Center in Fairway is one of 180 sites which will participate in the trial being run by Phoenix-based Banner Alzheimer’s Institute, Novartis pharmaceuticals and Amgen biotechnology.

EVENTS AND RESOURCES

A November 2, 2017 National Institutes of Health/National Institute on Aging post called for comments and suggestions, to be submitted by December 31, 2017, to develop a Eureka Prize for Alzheimer's disease research. Ideas may be submitted in any area of Alzheimer's disease or related dementias research. All comments must be submitted by e-mail to: [email protected].