GLP-1 receptor agonists drugs such as NovoNordisk’s Ozempic and Wegovy, have been in high demand since they received FDA approval as treatments for chronic weight management in addition to their original indication as diabetes treatments. According to data from a phase 2b study, liraglutide, an older GLP-1 drug for diabetes and obesity sold by Novo Nordisk under the brand names Victoza and Saxenda, may also have benefits for patients with Alzheimer’s
The ELAD trial recruited 204 patients with mild Alzheimer’s disease across 24 clinics in the UK, who received a daily injection of liraglutide or a placebo for a year. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), PET scans and memory tests were performed before and after the treatment to study the effects of the treatment.
The study did not meet the primary endpoint of changing the metabolic rate in certain parts of the brain linked to relevant cognitive functions. However, those patients who received liraglutide had a 18% slower decline in cognitive functions after a year, and had nearly 50% less volume loss in several areas of the brain responsible for critical functions affected by Alzheimer’s disease, including memory, language and decision-making.
Alzheimer’s Association International Conference
These results were reported earlier this week at the Alzheimer’s Association International Conference (AAIC) 2024 taking place in Philadelphia, US.
“The slower loss of brain volume suggests liraglutide protects the brain, much like statins protect the heart,” said Paul Edison, professor at Imperial College London, who led the ELAD study. “While further research is needed, liraglutide may work through various mechanisms, such as reducing inflammation in the brain, lowering insulin resistance and the toxic effects of Alzheimer’s biomarkers amyloid-beta and tau, and improving how the brain’s nerve cells communicate.”
Earlier research in animal models of Alzheimer’s disease has shown that GLP-1 drugs may have neuroprotective effects, including reducing early forms of amyloid plaques, normalizing the brain’s processing of glucose, and improving memory and learning.
GLP-1 drugs Ozempic and Wegovy
Novo Nordisk is currently running a phase 3 clinical trial of semaglutide (the active substance in GLP-1 drugs Ozempic and Wegovy) in over 1,800 people with early Alzheimer’s disease.
“We are in an era of unprecedented promise, with new treatments in various stages of development that slow or may possibly prevent cognitive decline due to Alzheimer’s disease,” said Maria C. Carrillo, chief science officer and medical affairs lead at the Alzheimer’s Association.
“This research provides hope that more options for changing the course of the disease are on the horizon. Repurposing drugs already approved for other conditions has the advantage of providing data and experience from previous research and practical use — so we already know a lot about real-world effectiveness in other diseases and side effects.”
