CONFERENCE COVERAGE SERIES
AD/PD™ 2025: Advances in Science & Therapy
Vienna, Austria and Online
01 – 05 April 2025
At the 19th AD/PD conference, Alzforum reporters wrote 15 summaries of findings across both diseases. From a step toward finally having an α-synuclein PET tracer to a major focus on Trem2 as a drug target, from a finely honed approach to track tau spread during immunotherapy, to what’s next on blood tests and immunotherapy, all the way to a budding trend in cytotoxic T cell research you found it here.
Finally, PET Tracers For α-Synuclein Yield Signal in Idiopathic Parkinson’s
Several tracers detect the low level of α-synuclein aggregates present in sporadic disease. None are ready for clinical use.
New Partnership Forms to Harness AI for Alzheimer’s Research
Drawing in researchers in academia, pharma, and AI companies, a nascent consortium aims to speed up discoveries in complex diseases. Smaller AI projects report data at AD/PD.
Moving Target: New Biology Casts TREM2 as a Shifty Mark
TREM2 on plaque-associated microglia becomes desensitized to agonist antibodies. The receptor may also calm hyperactive neurons.
TREM2: A Chill Pill for Neurons?
In mouse models, the microglial receptor counteracts hyperexcitability. Both transmembrane and soluble TREM2 seem involved.
Trialists Grapple with How to Outsmart TREM2
After one TREM2 agonist antibody nose-planted, a new batch of therapies appear safe so far in first-in-human data. The drugs exert different effects on the receptor and soluble TREM2.
Tau PET as Progression Marker: It’s the Spread, Not the Brightness
The spatial extent of tau pathology better correlates with disease severity, and stages disease more accurately, than does tangle load.
Looking Good: Immunoassays for Blood Markers
Fully automated test may be as accurate as mass spec, and more scalable.
Blood Tests: Not Just for the Impaired?
Real-world data hints that plasma markers can pick up Alzheimer’s pathology before people have memory complaints.
Will We Soon Stage Alzheimer’s With Plasma Markers?
Tau fragments, alone or with other proteins, help identify people with lots of tangles. This may help select people for trials or therapy.
Trontinemab Fuels Hope for Brain Shuttle Lift-Off
The TfR-targeted, anti-Aβ antibody swiftly axed amyloid throughout the brain. It caused little ARIA, but lots of infusion reactions.
Leqembi in the Clinic: So Far, ARIA Echoes Trials
At AD/PD, clinicians from the U.S. and Israel shared data from a few hundred patients, reporting ARIA rates equal to, or lower than, those in trials.
Killers in the Crosshairs: Zeroing in on Invading CD8+ T Cells
Antigens from the brain can tickle T cells in cervical lymph nodes, instigating a cytotoxic invasion. With ApoE4, more T cells enter.
Therapies Aim to Tame T Cells in the Brain
At AD/PD, a handful of early trials showcased approaches to counteract harmful cytotoxic T cell responses in AD and related diseases.
Breaking the Spell: Checkpoint Inhibitors Help Microglia Snap Out of It
In ApoE4 carriers, checkpoint proteins Itgb8 and TIM3 lock microglia into homeostasis. Remove the lock, and they spring into neuroprotective action.
Next Act for Amyloid Immunotherapy: Be Safer, Target Tau, Too
Eisai tests concurrent Aβ and tau immunotherapy in sporadic AD. Under-the-skin 'remy' avoids donanemab's immunogenicity.