Longevity & AgingNew Drug Cuts Brain Tau by 65% and Slows Early Alzheimer's Decline in Phase 2 Trial
A new drug called Diranersen, developed by Biogen and Ionis, has shown promising results in slowing early Alzheimer's disease. In a Phase 2 trial of 416 patients with mild cognitive impairment or early Alzheimer's dementia, the therapy reduced total tau — a protein linked to brain damage — by 50 to 65% in cerebrospinal fluid. The lowest dose tested slowed clinical decline by 26% on a standard cognition scale and showed improvements across two other memory and function tests. Delivered by injection into the spinal canal every three to six months, the drug was generally well tolerated. While the trial missed its primary statistical goal, Biogen plans to move into Phase 3 testing, and the FDA has already granted the drug Fast Track designation.
