For years, Howard Weiner, MD, co-director of the Ann Romney Center for Neurologic Diseases at Brigham and Women’s Hospital, has been collaborating with a team of experts to develop a nasal vaccine to prevent Alzheimer’s disease. We are thrilled to report the nasal vaccine is moving toward clinical trials with plans to begin manufacturing the vaccine by the end of this year and with the goal of testing in Alzheimer’s patients by late 2019.
The implications for Alzheimer’s patients are simply amazing. Imagine if a simple nasal spray could provide hope and healing for the countless patients and families who confront this devastating disease.
According to Dr. Weiner, “Findings from animal studies show that the Alzheimer’s disease nasal vaccine activates macrophages in the blood (important cells of the immune system), which then travel to the brain and clear the brain of the characteristic amyloid proteins that impair memory and cognitive function in Alzheimer’s patients. This work has led to plans to manufacture the vaccine for a clinical trial in humans.” We look forward to sharing updates with you about our progress.