Alzheimer's Disease Vaccines: Promising Developments, Renewed Enthusiasm From Biogen, Eli Lilly And Others

Recent advancements in Alzheimer's disease treatments targeting the removal of toxic proteins (white matter) from the brain have sparked a renewed interest in developing vaccines to combat this memory-robbing disease. 

Clinical trials for at least seven Alzheimer's disease vaccines, aiming to leverage the immune system to eliminate disease-related proteins such as beta-amyloid or tau, are underway or completed. 

This resurgence in vaccine development followed a setback over two decades ago when an initial vaccine attempt was abandoned due to 6% of volunteers developing life-threatening brain inflammation known as meningoencephalitis.

Researchers subsequently shifted focus towards a safer approach, utilizing precisely targeted manufactured antibodies that bypass the body's immune system. 

Recent successes such as Eisai Co Ltd (OTC: ESAIY) and Biogen Inc.'s (NASDAQ: BIIB) Leqembi and Eli Lilly And Co.'s (NYSE: LLY) donanemab have reinforced the idea that removing amyloid is crucial for combating early-stage Alzheimer's, marking a turning point after years of failed attempts that cast doubt on the amyloid theory.

The current wave of Alzheimer's disease vaccine development involves efforts by companies such as Vaxxinity Inc (NASDAQ: VAXX), AC Immune SA (NASDAQ: ACIU), and Prothena Corporation Plc (NASDAQ: PRTA), aiming to rectify past vaccine failures by designing shots that stimulate an immune response without triggering excessive inflammation. 

Citing Dr. Reisa Sperling from Mass General Brigham in Boston, Reuters noted the potential of vaccines in Alzheimer's disease prevention, leading trials targeting individuals with Alzheimer's disease proteins in their brain and considering expanding studies to asymptomatic individuals with these proteins in their blood.

While these vaccines are still in the early stages, their potential as a more accessible alternative to existing treatments like Leqembi, which require frequent infusions, offers hope for the global Alzheimer's disease population, estimated at 39 million.

Disclaimer: This content was partially produced with the help of AI tools and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.