Phase 1 Clinical Trial to Test Potential Alzheimer's Cure
About This Article
Research at Israel’s Weizmann Institute of Science has brought a major breakthrough that may lead to a cure for Alzheimer's and other dementia. Clinical trials will start soon to test the concept on humans.
Linda Kople
Linda is a freelance writer interested in retirement planning, health and aging.
For over 20 years, Professor Michal Schwartz of the Weizmann Institute of Science in Israel has been researching to find a breakthrough on Alzheimer's treatment or a cure. Schwartz's research has shown that it is now possible to penetrate the blood-brain barrier, allowing the body's own immune system to cure Alzheimer's.
The Weizmann Institute of Science is one of the world's leading multidisciplinary basic research institutions in the natural and exact sciences. Located in Rehovot, Israel, just south of Tel Aviv, it was initially established as the Daniel Sieff Institute in 1934 by Israel and Rebecca Sieff of London in memory of their son Daniel. In 1949, it was renamed for Dr. Chaim Weizmann, the first President of the State of Israel and Founder of the Institute.
Speaking on the TV Show '62 Who Knew,' Richard Enslein, the National Vice President at American Committee for the Weizmann Institute of Science, said that the research has now proved that Dr. Schwartz's theory that scientists can supercharge the immune system to treat and cure Alzheimer's is now possible.
Super Charged Immune System to Fix the Brain
Enslein told '62 Who Knew' host Mike Banner that the research started in mice. Once shown to be successful with mice, they repeated the success with monkeys.
"They proved the concept in warm-blooded animals, specifically n monkeys, and now they will start the trials in human beings," Enslein said.
The Phase I trial will specifically test the antibody, IBC-Ab002, which is targeted to enhance the immune system and induce brain repair processes in individuals with Alzheimer's disease.
Prof. Michal Schwartz
Professor Schwartz's studies led to her current approach of developing immunotherapies for Alzheimer's disease and dementia that had previously not been considered before. She believes there is a connection between the brain and the immune system regarding health and disease. Breaking this blood-brain barrier in the brain will also for a supercharged immune system to do its job.
She found that the cognitive performance of the brain is impaired when the immune system is compromised. With Alzheimer's disease and dementia, the immune system's role affects the timing of disease onset and the way it progresses, and that boosting the immune system can modify the disease.
Cure is Possible
The consequences of this clinical trial are enormous as they are not just hoping for a treatment or a delay of symptoms.
"If successful, this can reverse Alzheimer's," Enslein stated.
Mike Banner says the work of the Weizmann Institute being so close to having a cure for Alzheimer's and other diseases is mind-boggling. Banner, the host of '62 Who Knew', is also the President and CEO of Professional Mortgage Alliance, LLC, and columnist on LTC NEWS. He is one of the leading experts in the United States on reverse mortgages, aging, and long-term care.
"But with every stride we make to prolong life, we must realize that prolonged life comes at a cost, and most of us, in fact, the great majority of us, are not prepared," Banner said.
Age 90 May Become the New 75
The advances in medical research may increase lifespan by another 20 or 30 years. The increasing longevity will bring a plethora of problems that can have significant consequences on families and finances.
"Ninety might become the new seventy-five in ten years," Banner said.
With one scientific discovery leads to another discovery. This research will definitely lead to greater longevity and better overall health. Since these discoveries are coming soon, planning now for retirement issues, aging, and long-term care is becoming a major priority.