July 24th, 2024

UTMB Researchers Develop Nasal Spray Treatment for Alzheimer's Disease

Researchers at UTMB developed a nasal spray targeting tau protein build-up in Alzheimer's, improving cognitive functions in mice. This breakthrough may transform treatment strategies and lead to human clinical trials.

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UTMB Researchers Develop Nasal Spray Treatment for Alzheimer's Disease

Researchers at the University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB) have made a significant advancement in Alzheimer's disease treatment by developing a nasal spray that targets harmful tau protein build-up. Published in Science Translational Medicine, the study demonstrates that this innovative approach can improve cognitive functions in aged mice models with neurodegenerative diseases. The nasal spray delivers a specific antibody, TTCM2, which selectively targets toxic tau aggregates, bypassing the blood-brain barrier and enhancing therapeutic efficacy. This method utilizes TRIM21, an intracellular receptor that aids in clearing antibody-bound tau aggregates, thereby improving cognitive outcomes in the mice. The researchers believe this breakthrough could transform treatment strategies for Alzheimer’s and related tauopathies, offering new hope for millions affected by these conditions. Future plans include conducting preclinical trials and exploring the potential of TTCM2 in human clinical trials. The study received funding from the NIH, Alzheimer’s Association, and UTMB Claude D. Pepper OAIC Pilot grant. The research team includes notable contributors such as Sagar Gaikwad, Nicha Puangmalai, Minal Sonawane, and Mauro Montalbano. This development highlights the potential for non-invasive therapies in addressing neurodegenerative diseases, marking a promising step forward in the quest for effective treatments.

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By @austinjp - 3 months
The paper:

Nasal tau immunotherapy clears intracellular tau pathology and improves cognitive functions in aged tauopathy mice

https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/scitranslmed.adj5958