What We Learn from the CTAD 2018 (Clinical Trials Alzheimer's Disease)

We are happy to publish the CTAD 2018 abstracts in the present JPAD issue. As you can see many new interesting studies are presented in this issue of the journal: from new drug trials to biomarkers, imaging studies, as well as new clinical outcomes. More specifically, we will have several hot topics presentation on: 1. Major drug trials using bace inhibitors (verubecestat, lanabecestat, atabecestat, elenbecestat…) in the early phase of the disease (APECS early trials…). Both clinical, biomarkers (MRI, CSF, PET) and safety data will be presented. 2. New data on blood biomarkers including a keynote from R. Bateman, and presentations from Araclon and Roche biomarkers. 3. Results from phase III and IIB trials including a novel and multi-targeted oligosaccharide in patients with mild-moderate AD in China; the AMBAR (Alzheimer’s Management By Albumin Replacement) study, the TOMMORROW trial: a trial to delay the onset of MCI due to AD and qualify a genetic biomarker algorithm, the 18-month STEADFAST trial of azeliragon in participants with mild Alzheimer’s Disease; a longitudinal 148-week extension 4. Results 18 from F-AV-1451-A16: a clinicopathological study of the correspondence between flortaucipir PET imaging and post-mortem assessment of tau pathology. 5. Latest developments in anti-amyloid monoclonal antibodies including aducanumab nonnegligible, and new results and data analyses of the BAN2401 study 201 in early AD. 6. New developments with safety and efficacy of lemborexant for sleep-wake regulation in patients with irregular sleep-wake rhythm disorders and Alzheimer’s Disease dementia. 7. Advances with the ABBV-8E12, a humanized anti-tau monoclonal antibody, for the treatment of early Alzheimer’s Disease. 8. Endpoints for early Alzheimer’s Disease clinical trials: interpretation and application of the draft FDA guidance. And many others… It is important to underline that a not negligible number of abstracts concern non amyloid targets (eg: Tau-related targets but also targets outside the classical AD cascade).