About This Alzheimer's Study

As quoted by Dr. James Pickett from the Alzheimer's Society's website about Tau research.
Published 23 May 2013

A phase 3 trial exploring whether the compound LMTX can stop the development of a key hallmark of Alzheimer's disease has been initiated by pharmaceutical company TauRx Therapies.

The study will involve over 1,500 patients in 20 countries including patients at 16 medical centres in the UK.

100 patients so far have begun the trial, which will investigate whether the compound LMTX could target the buildup of the protein tau on the brain, a process which is thought to play a significant part in the progression of Alzheimer's.

Alzheimer's Society comment:

“We know that tangles of tau, a protein found in the brain, are a hallmark of Alzheimer's disease and cause the death of brain cells. If we can find a way to stop them building up we could potentially stop Alzheimer's in its tracks.

It’s a scandal that despite 800,000 people living with dementia in the UK there are more clinical trials for hayfever than some of the most common forms of the condition. This Dementia Awareness Week™ we need people to be shouting from the rooftops for more research into dementia to defeat it once and for all.”

— Dr. James Pickett
Senior Research Manager
Alzheimer's Society

As quoted by Jessica Smith from the Alzheimer's Society's website about Tau research.
Published 30 October 2012

“We know that tangles of Tau, a protein found in the brain, are a hallmark of Alzheimer's disease, a cause of brain cell death. Investigating drug treatments that have the potential to stop these tau tangles occurring is an interesting research avenue to explore.

After hearing recently that drug companies are scaling back their research into treatments for Alzheimer's disease, it's really encouraging to see a study that has reached the clinical trial stage and that investment is still being made.”

— Jessica Smith
Research Officer
Alzheimer's Society, UK

This global Phase 3 Alzheimer's clinical trial is being conducted in 20 countries located in North America, Asia, Australia, and Europe. The purpose of the study is to examine the safety and effectiveness of the study drug called LMTM. LMTM aims to dissolve the tangles in the brain associated with Alzheimer's disease.

One study will involve 833 people with mild to moderate Alzheimer's disease over 14 months. Another study will include 500 people with mild Alzheimer's disease over 22 months. Both studies will be conducted in North America, Asia, Australia, and Europe. (Click here for a map of study locations.)

Study participants must be:

• Diagnosed with mild or moderate Alzheimer's disease
• Undiagnosed and experiencing noticeable memory loss issues
• Under the age of 90

Additionally, study participants must have a carer who:

• Sees the participant 2 hours or more per day on 3 days or more per week (on average)
• Is willing to provide written informed consent for both themselves and the study participant
• Is able to read, understand, and speak the designated language at the study site
• Will accompany the person with Alzheimer's to each clinic visit
• Is able to ensure that the study drug is given to the participant as required

Those who participate in this study will receive:

• Study-related care from a team of medical professionals
• All study-related exams and tests
• Access to study drug, LMTM after the study ends

Reimbursement for time, travel and accommodations may be provided

What is my role as a carer?

As a carer, you will play an active role throughout the study. You will be asked to accompany the person with Alzheimer’s at each clinic visit and also to provide structured feedback about the participant’s health, memory, and daily living activities. Medical imaging will be used to carefully measure the effect of treatment. Other routine medical tests, including urinalysis will be performed.

While taking part in a clinical trial involves commitment and time, many people find participation to be worthwhile. Time spent with the clinical research team is empowering, and educational. Above all, it is important to know that you and your loved one may help bring a new treatment forward that may halt or slow Alzheimer’s disease progression.