R.I. Hospital study investigates if drug can slow, improve Alzheimer’s symptoms

RHODE ISLAND HOSPITAL researchers are investigating whether Troriluzole can slow and reverse cognitive decline in Alzheimer's disease patients.

PROVIDENCE – Rhode Island Hospital researchers are seeking subjects for a Phase 2 study into whether an investigational drug, Troriluzole, a new version of an ALS-slowing drug, can slow and reverse cognitive decline in Alzheimer’s patients, particularly those with moderate dementia.

The Phase 2 study, called T2 Protect AD, evaluates whether Troriluzole can protect against, slow down, and eventually improve memory and thinking problems that increase as Alzheimer’s disease progresses, according to a statement from Rhode Island Hospital. Troriluzole regulates glutamate, protecting against neuron loss. Glutamate problems in the brain can lead to brain cell dysfunction and disease, including Alzheimer’s disease, according to the hospital’s statement on the study.

While Troriluzole is related to riluzole, which is used to slightly slow disease progression in patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, it can be taken more often, once a day, and has potential for better safety and tolerability than its predecessor drug.

“We are very excited to be able to participate in this trial. Troriluzole offers an avenue for therapy targeting an Alzheimer’s–related disease mechanism that is unlike any other investigational medication we have to offer,” said Dr. Jonathan Drake, the principal investigator for the study site at Rhode Island Hospital, “It has a proven track record in ALS patients, and has been modified to have fewer side effects. Most importantly, this study will be open to patients with moderate dementia, a population that is currently under-represented in Alzheimer’s disease clinical trials.”

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Rhode Island Hospital’s Alzheimer’s Disease and Memory Disorders Center is one of more than 30 sites across the United States participating in the study. About 292 patients will be randomized nationwide, half to receive 280 mg of troriluzole and half to receive a placebo, taken orally at bedtime. The study will last 48 weeks.

Candidates for the study must be between 50- and 85-years-old and diagnosed with mild to moderate Alzheimer’s disease, who are already being treated with donepezil (Aricept), rivastigmine (Exelon) or galantamine (Razadyne) for at least three months, with or without memantine (Namenda). Participants must have a study partner who has regular contact with the clinical trial candidate and is able to attend study visits.

The study is one of many investigations of the causes and treatment of the disease in recent months. George & Anne Ryan Institute for Neuroscience researchers announced they’re studying the reduction of brain blood vessel inflammation in fighting Alzheimer’s disease last week. Earlier this month, the $100 million Building Our Largest Dementia, or BOLD, Infrastructure for Alzheimer’s Act was signed into law, applying a public health approach to reduce risk, advance care, and improve data about the disease. In November, Lori Daiello, research scientist and clinical research administrator with the Alzheimer’s Disease and Memory Disorders Center at Rhode Island Hospital was among six researchers chosen to author this year’s report, “The Impact of Mental Well-Being on Brain Health,” published by The Global Council on Brain Health, an international collaboration between AARP and Age UK.

For more information about participating, call 1-844-5MEMORY or email memory@lifespan.org.

Rob Borkowski is a PBN staff writer.

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