Bexarotene Amyloid Treatment for Alzheimer's Disease

Summary

Retinoid X receptors (RXR) are nuclear receptors that have been linked to numerous metabolic pathways relevant to Alzheimer's disease (AD) and Aβ (harmful protein) production and removal. The study drug "bexarotene" is an FDA approved anti-cancer agent but is not approved for use in Alzheimer's disease. Bexarotene acts as an RXR agonist that has reduced Aβ (harmful protein) in the brain in experimental models of Alzheimer's disease. This study aims to determine the safety and effect on abnormal proteins found in the brain (based on brain scans) of 300 mg of "bexarotene" administered for one month compared to placebo (inactive agent).

Timeline

Start

2013-02

Primary completion

2014-08

Completion

2014-12

Publications

• Cummings JL, Zhong K, Kinney JW, Heaney C, Moll-Tudla J, Joshi A, Pontecorvo M, Devous M, Tang A, Bena J. Double-blind, placebo-controlled, proof-of-concept trial of bexarotene Xin moderate Alzheimer's disease. Alzheimers Res Ther. 2016 Jan 29;8:4. doi: 10.1186/s13195-016-0173-2.

Drugs

Indications