1. Overcoming dementia.
- Author
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Lawton, Graham
- Subjects
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ALZHEIMER'S disease , *TAU proteins , *MONOCLONAL antibody biotechnology , *CLINICAL trials , *CROHN'S disease - Abstract
Vaxxinity, a biotechnology company based in Cape Canaveral, Florida, is developing vaccines to treat and potentially eliminate Alzheimer's disease. Several other companies are also working on similar approaches, showing promising results. Alzheimer's is the most common form of dementia and affects millions of people worldwide. The current drugs on the market only provide limited relief, but vaccines targeting beta-amyloid plaques, a defining feature of the disease, have shown more success. Monoclonal antibodies have been approved by the FDA, but they have drawbacks such as high costs and side effects. Vaccines, on the other hand, are cheaper, easier to administer, and have shown positive results in clinical trials. There are also vaccines in development targeting tau tangles, another protein associated with Alzheimer's. Additionally, immune therapies that target neuroinflammation and stimulate the immune system are being explored. The ultimate goal is to prevent Alzheimer's altogether, and a blood test has been developed to detect abnormal tau tangles years before symptoms appear, allowing for early intervention. While there is still a risk of failure in late-stage clinical trials, the progress being made in multiple areas of research offers hope for the future. [Extracted from the article]
- Published
- 2024