ANAVEX2-73 for Alzheimer's Disease

(ATTENTION-AD Trial)

This trial tests a treatment called ANAVEX2-73, a new potential drug, to help people with Alzheimer's disease by evaluating its safety and effectiveness over time. The goal is to determine if taking this medication daily can improve symptoms or slow their progression. Participants should have completed a previous study with ANAVEX2-73 and have someone who knows them well spend at least 10 hours a week with them to assist with assessments. As a Phase 2 and Phase 3 trial, this study evaluates the treatment's effectiveness in a larger group and represents the final step before FDA approval, offering participants a chance to contribute to a potentially groundbreaking treatment.

The trial protocol does not specify if you need to stop taking your current medications. However, you cannot take tricyclic antidepressants during the trial.

Research has shown that ANAVEX2-73 is generally safe for people. Most side effects (96%) were mild or moderate, and patients recovered after experiencing them. Importantly, no serious brain scan-related side effects were linked to ANAVEX2-73. This suggests it is well-tolerated for treating Alzheimer's disease.¹²³⁴⁵

ANAVEX2-73 is unique because it targets Alzheimer's Disease by activating the sigma-1 receptor, which plays a crucial role in cellular stress responses. Unlike standard treatments like donepezil or memantine, which mainly focus on managing symptoms, ANAVEX2-73 aims to modify the disease process itself. Researchers are excited about its potential to improve cognitive function and slow disease progression, offering hope for more effective management of Alzheimer's.

Research shows that ANAVEX2-73, also known as blarcamesine, may help treat Alzheimer's disease. One study found that patients taking blarcamesine experienced a 36.3% slower worsening of symptoms over 48 weeks compared to those not taking the drug. This suggests the medication might slow the progression of Alzheimer's symptoms. Additionally, early studies suggest it might even halt or reverse the disease. Importantly, the treatment is considered safe, with most side effects being mild or moderate. These findings offer hope that ANAVEX2-73 could be an effective treatment for Alzheimer's disease.¹²³⁴⁵