BOSTON, December 25, 2025 – A new drug, trontinemab, is showing remarkable promise in the fight against Alzheimer’s disease, reducing amyloid plaques-a hallmark of the condition-by a striking 92% in a recent trial. But while one potential treatment gains traction,another,oral semaglutide,unfortunately failed to demonstrate significant cognitive or functional benefits in early-stage patients. these updates, presented at the Clinical Trials on Alzheimer’s Disease (CTAD) conference, highlight the complex and often frustrating path toward effective Alzheimer’s therapies.
Trontinemab Targets Amyloid with Impressive Results
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The Brainshuttle AD trial revealed a ample reduction in amyloid plaques with trontinemab, potentially impacting tau accumulation while minimizing common side effects.
- Trontinemab reduced amyloid plaques by 92% in the Brainshuttle AD trial.
- The drug may also influence tau accumulation, another key feature of Alzheimer’s.
- Brain swelling and bleeding, common concerns with amyloid-targeting therapies, were minimized.
- The Brainshuttle AD study is expected to complete its primary analysis by mid-2030.
What exactly does it mean to clear amyloid plaques? These sticky protein deposits accumulate in the brain and are widely believed to contribute to the progress and progression of Alzheimer’s. Trontinemab, developed by Brainshuttle, appears to be highly effective at removing these plaques, and early data suggests it might even have an impact on tau, another protein that forms tangles inside brain cells and is strongly linked to cognitive decline.
Importantly, the trial data also indicated a favorable safety profile, with minimal evidence of amyloid-related imaging abnormalities (ARIA), such as brain swelling or bleeding, wich have been observed with other amyloid-targeting antibodies. The Brainshuttle AD study is ongoing, with primary completion anticipated around mid-2030.
Semaglutide Fails to Slow Cognitive Decline
Despite high hopes, oral semaglutide, a medication already approved for type 2 diabetes and weight management, did not demonstrate significant improvements in cognition or function in individuals with early Alzheimer’s disease. The results come from the Evoke and Evoke+ trials, a two-year study involving older adults.
Q&A: Did oral semaglutide show any benefit for Alzheimer’s patients? Unfortunately, no. The Evoke and Evoke+ trials revealed that oral semaglutide did not slow cognitive or functional decline compared to a placebo in individuals with early Alzheimer’s disease, despite being a promising avenue of research.
Researchers emphasized that while the findings are disappointing, thay still provide valuable insights into the complex mechanisms underlying Alzheimer’s disease. The trials involved a large cohort of participants, and the data will be carefully analyzed to identify potential subgroups who might respond differently to the medication.
MK-2214 Shows Promise in Targeting Tau
Data presented on MK-2214 offered a more optimistic outlook, particularly regarding its ability to address tau accumulation. A phase 1 trial demonstrated that the drug was well-tolerated across all tested dose levels, with no dose-limiting toxicities or serious drug-related adverse events reporte
