UK trial tests diabetes, ADHD drugs on Alzheimer's — SkimNews
Get the Health newsletter
Daily health & science — research, biotech, public health, the studies worth knowing. Free.
- AD-SMART study launched a multi-arm, multi-stage platform trial in the UK to test multiple Alzheimer's treatments simultaneously, starting with the diabetes drug metformin and the ADHD drug atomoxetine.
- The trial aims to recruit 1,200 participants with mild to moderate Alzheimer's across more than 30 UK sites, with scientists expecting to finish evaluating the first drugs by 2030.
- Chief investigator Prof Paresh Malhotra stated the trial applies advances from cancer research to accelerate testing, moving away from the traditional 'one drug, one trial' approach that can take a decade.
- Angela Bucksey, the first trial participant, said joining the study made her feel empowered to fight back against the disease, which has affected multiple family members.
- The UK government is funding the trial, which is led by the UK Dementia Research Institute and Alzheimer's Research UK, with partners including the NIHR and MRC.
Why it matters: For the 600,000 people in the UK with Alzheimer's, this trial design significantly increases the chance of receiving an active treatment and can quickly discard ineffective drugs. It directly addresses the urgent need for new options by repurposing existing, safe medicines, potentially cutting years from the development timeline.
Ask SkimNews
