In the ongoing battle to combat Alzheimer’s disease, Big Pharma is once again in the spotlight with a “new,” “promising” drug on the horizon.
This time, it’s an investigational seizure pill called AGB101, repurposed to target mild cognitive impairment caused by Alzheimer’s.
But before you start reaching for your wallet, let’s take a step back and look at this with a healthy dose of skepticism.
As more and more people face the devastating effects of Alzheimer’s, it’s no surprise that drug companies are scrambling to patent the next big solution.
After all, Alzheimer’s treatments mean BIG bucks. But are they truly onto something with this new pill, or is it just another attempt to cash in on people’s desperation?
Researchers from AgeneBio and Johns Hopkins University are studying AGB101, an extended-release form of the anti-seizure medication levetiracetam, which they believe may help slow the progression of Alzheimer’s in patients with mild cognitive impairment.
Their findings show that in patients without the genetic variant ApoE-4, which increases Alzheimer’s risk, this drug reduced brain atrophy by 40% over 18 months.
Sounds promising, right? Maybe. But if there’s one thing we’ve learned about Big Pharma’s Alzheimer’s drugs, it’s that the initial excitement often fades once the side effects and limited effectiveness come to light.
The Alzheimer’s treatment landscape is littered with drug trials that seemed groundbreaking at first, only to later reveal dismal results or serious side effects.
Remember the headlines about other Alzheimer’s drugs like aducanumab? It was hailed as a breakthrough before being marred by controversy over its high cost, limited efficacy, and dangerous side effects.
So, what’s different about this seizure pill?
Not much—at least, not yet. Yes, the researchers are encouraged by the early results, but we’ve been down this road before.
The drug targets “hippocampal hyperactivity,” which they believe contributes to memory loss. However, this approach is still in its early stages, and there’s no clear evidence that this pill can slow Alzheimer’s in the long term or for all patients.
Let’s not forget why Big Pharma loves these so-called miracle drugs—profit.
Alzheimer’s is a massive market. The longer people can stay on their medication, the more money pharmaceutical companies rake in. And while we’d all love to see a genuine treatment for Alzheimer’s, we can’t ignore the fact that drug companies are eager to patent anything they can market as a “solution”—whether it’s truly effective or not.
Even Scott Kaiser, a board-certified geriatrician not involved in the study, is cautiously optimistic, noting that “we need to keep investing and doubling down in preclinical research” to better understand Alzheimer’s pathways before jumping to conclusions about new treatments.
While AGB101 showed some promising effects in reducing brain atrophy for non-ApoE-4 carriers, there’s still plenty of reason to hold off on popping champagne. We’ve yet to see long-term studies that prove its true efficacy, and we can’t ignore the potential side effects or the fact that this treatment may only work for a subset of patients.
So, should we throw this new drug idea in the trash? Not necessarily. But let’s keep our skepticism firmly in place. More research is needed before we get excited, and we’ll be keeping a close eye on it.
While Big Pharma continues its quest to find the next big Alzheimer’s treatment, we haven’t forgotten about nature’s powerful remedies.
There are natural supplements that have been shown to support brain health and help protect against cognitive decline. These include:
- Curcumin: Found in turmeric, curcumin is known for its potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, making it a potential ally in slowing the progression of Alzheimer’s.
- Ginkgo Biloba: This ancient herb may improve blood circulation in the brain, supporting cognitive function and reducing symptoms of memory loss.
- Lion’s Mane Mushroom: Emerging research suggests that Lion’s Mane could help protect against neurodegenerative diseases by encouraging nerve growth and brain cell repair.
We’re not saying these supplements will cure Alzheimer’s. But they offer a safe and natural way to support brain health—without the hefty price tag or the side effects of pharmaceuticals.
Could AGB101 be the Alzheimer’s pill we’ve been waiting for? At this juncture, anything is possible. But let’s not get too excited just yet. We’ve been burned by Big Pharma before, and we’ll need a lot more evidence before trusting this latest “breakthrough.”
In the meantime, you can take steps to protect your brain naturally by considering these supplements and staying informed.
We’ll be watching this story closely and will keep you updated as more research unfolds.
To a healthy dose of skepticism,
Rachel Mace
Managing Editorial Director, e-Alert
with contributions from the research team
P.S. Could sleeping pills help with Alzheimer’s? Get the surprising details here.
Sources:
Pelc, C. (2024, October 16). Could a once-daily pill for seizures also treat Alzheimer’s disease? Medicalnewstoday.com; Medical News Today. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/could-a-once-daily-pill-for-seizures-also-treat-alzheimers-disease#Encouraging-Alzheimers-research-using-repurposed-drug
LaMotte, S. (2019, March 21). How Alzheimer’s destroys the brain. CNN. https://www.cnn.com/2019/03/21/health/alzheimers-drug-trial-failure-aducanumab-bn/index.html
