Inside Alzheimer’s Research: Dr. Sheryl Marks Discusses a New Medication Targeting the Disease
At Rainier Clinical Research Center, our mission is to bring new and innovative treatments to those affected by disease. With our latest trial, we are studying a new medication aimed at delaying the onset of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) in participants who are not yet showing symptoms.
Meet Dr. Sheryl Marks
Dr. Sheryl Marks is the Co-Medical Director and Principal Investigator at Rainier Clinical Research Center. Dr. Marks specializes in pharmaceutical and device trials with a focus on endocrine disorders, obesity, and dementia.
Where We Stand Today with Alzheimer’s Research
Alzheimer’s research has made significant strides in diagnostic pathways, but major challenges remain in treatment options for the disease. Currently, Alzheimer’s is generally diagnosed by assessing clinical symptoms and can be further confirmed by brain scans and biomarkers. The currently available treatments are aimed at managing symptoms of the disease or slowing progression. Medications used for symptom relief include cholinesterase inhibitors (e.g., donepezil) and memantine.
Medications aimed at slowing progression, such as monoclonal antibodies like donanemab, have recently entered the market. These drugs aim to reduce a significant precursor to developing AD: amyloid plaques in the brain. By reducing these amyloid plaques, which are considered a necessary step in the progression of the disease, the hope is that they can slow the progression of Alzheimer’s. A new investigational medication, Remternetug, aims to join this class of medications.
Q1: Alzheimer’s research has come a long way, but many patients still face limited treatment options. Can you explain what Remternetug is and how it differs from existing Alzheimer's treatments?
Dr. Marks: Remternetug belongs to the monoclonal antibody class, similar to donanemab, and is unique in its precise targeting of plaque formation. Alzheimer’s disease is believed to be linked to the accumulation of amyloid plaques in the brain. Remternetug binds to specific sites on these plaques, signaling the body to recognize and clear the plaques. While we don’t yet know the exact cause of Alzheimer’s, the development of these plaques is believed to be a necessary step for the disease to progress.
Q2: How does Remternetug work to combat the progression of early-onset Alzheimer’s disease?
Dr. Marks: Remternetug is a monoclonal antibody whose job is to bind to amyloid-beta plaques in the brain. This binding helps the body identify and attract cells to the plaque that forcibly remove them. For individuals at early stages, this could potentially slow the disease’s progression. This is a targeted approach that could allow for earlier intervention, ideally before dementia symptoms appear.
Q3: Rainier Clinical has a new study testing Remternetug. What is the objective of this trial?
Dr. Marks: The main objective of our study is to assess how Remternetug impacts the time it takes for patients determined to be at risk of Alzheimer’s disease to progress to clinically significant dementia compared to a placebo. The trial includes carefully structured clinical outcome assessments administered by trained raters to measure and evaluate results effectively.
Q4: What are some challenges in researching Alzheimer's treatments, and how is Remternetugaddressing those challenges?
Dr. Marks: One challenge with monoclonal antibody treatments is the risk of adverse effects, like ARIA (amyloid-related imaging abnormalities), which can include asymptomatic, and less commonly symptomatic, brain swelling or bleeding. This trial addresses these risks through genetic testing, assessing each participant’s risk profile, and applying a slower and lower dosing and titration schedule. For the first four months, where risks are highest, doses are lower and slowly increased to mitigate side effects. In addition, all participants will undergo frequent and regular MRI imaging of their brains for surveillance of adverse effects.
Q5: How does this medication fit into the future of Alzheimer's research?
Dr. Marks: Remternetug represents another potential option for Alzheimer’s patients, adding to the group of treatments that aim to reduce amyloid plaques. This could offer a path forward for patients and possibly makesuch treatments more accessible if they reach the market.
Q6: Given that Alzheimer’s is a complex and delicate disease, what safety measures are in place for participants in the Remternetug trials?
Dr. Marks: At Rainier Clinical, safety is our highest priority. To participate in the trial, participants must already show evidence of Alzheimer’s disease through a confirmed biomarker screen diagnosis. Regular MRI scans throughout the study will monitor brain health, and our staff will closely observe participants for risk factors associated with the medication. This will ensure proactive care for participants throughout the study.
Q7: Is there anything else you’d like to share with those interested in this area of research?
Dr. Marks: We feel incredibly fortunate to contribute to Alzheimer’s research. Since there are often crossovers between endocrine disorders and dementia, and many of us have both professional and personal connections to those affected by dementia, this work holds special meaning. Through this study, we hope to positively impactthe lives of those living with dementia and help create a future where Alzheimer’s disease can be managed more effectively.
If you or a loved one is interested in learning more about this study or participating in clinical trials, please reach out to us at Rainier Clinical Research Center. We are committed to helping make a difference in Alzheimer’s treatment and care.
Phone: 425-251-1720
Email: recruitment@rainier-research.com
