A new UK clinical trial, AD-SMART, has been launched to test multiple drugs simultaneously for Alzheimer's disease, aiming to accelerate the development of effective treatments. The trial initially focuses on two repurposed medications: metformin, used for type 2 diabetes, and atomoxetine, prescribed for ADHD. Both drugs are believed to potentially reduce brain inflammation, a factor in neurodegeneration. The study will assess whether these drugs can improve memory, thinking, and daily functioning in people with mild to moderate Alzheimer's.
The multi-arm, multi-stage platform trial design allows for quicker evaluation of treatments by testing several drugs at once and replacing ineffective ones promptly. Around 1,200 participants will be recruited across more than 30 UK sites, with results expected by 2030. The trial offers hope to patients and families affected by Alzheimer's, emphasising the urgent need for new therapies to improve quality of life.
Read the full story: BBC UK News.
Source: BBC UK News. Aggregated summary, not independent reporting.