Biggs Institute seeks 10 volunteers for study of Alzheimer’s drug

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The Glenn Biggs Institute for Alzheimer’s and Neurodegenerative Diseases at UT Health San Antonio is recruiting volunteers for a clinical study of an investigational drug for Alzheimer’s disease. The principal investigator for this study is Sudha Seshadri, M.D., professor of neurology at UT Health San Antonio and director of the Glenn Biggs Institute.

The Biggs Institute seeks to screen 10 study participants before the enrollment deadline of Nov. 8, said Amy Saklad, director of research operations for the institute.

The T2 Protect AD study is taking place at dozens of sites across the country. The study will determine whether the medication troriluzole can potentially improve memory and thinking problems that increase as Alzheimer’s disease progresses.

Eligibility

  • Women and men aged 50-85 with mild to moderate Alzheimer’s disease (who are otherwise in general good health)
  • On stable doses of donepezil (Aricept®) or rivastigmine (Exelon®) or galantamine (Razadyne®) for at least 3 months with or without memantine (Namenda®)
  • Living in the community (not in a residential nursing home)
  • Having a study partner who has regular contact with the trial participant (about 10 hours per week). The study partner will accompany the participant to the clinic visits.
  • Willing to participate in the T2 study for 48 weeks with study visits every two to four weeks in the beginning of the study and then every two to three months toward the end.

Troriluzole affects the brain chemical glutamate, which is important for healthy brain function. High glutamate levels can lead to brain cell dysfunction and disease, including Alzheimer’s disease. Troriluzole normalizes glutamate levels in the brain.

“Preclinical studies conducted at other institutions have paved the way for this study of troriluzole in Alzheimer’s patients,” Dr. Seshadri said. “The drug’s mechanism of operation is different from other therapies. We are excited to offer this study to patients and their families in San Antonio.”

Families of Hispanic patients are especially encouraged to contact the Biggs Institute to ask about eligibility.

To learn more, contact Amy Saklad at (210) 567-8229 or saklada@UTHSCSA.edu.



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