(Ivanhoe Newswire) -- New results support the practice of using antibodies to treat Alzheimer's disease. The nine-month tests show better outcomes in cognitive performance and daily functioning in patients treated with IGIV compared to placebo treated patients.
IGIV is an intravenous immunoglobulin called Gammagard. Gammagard contains a broad spectrum of antibodies and is an immunoglobulin replacement therapy for patients with immunodeficiency disorders.
For the research, 24 patients with mild to moderate Alzheimer's disease were given either one of two forms of Gammagard or saline placebo. In April, the six-month outcomes were presented. Now, researchers are reporting on the extension of the study. The results show persistent benefits for Alzheimer's patients treated over nine months. Study authors say this is the first study to show benefits for Alzheimer's patients from IGIV with continuous treatment for nine months. Previous studies stopped therapy after six months.
Study authors say these results re-affirm a decision to continue to a phase III study evaluating the role of Gammagard for the treatment of patients with mild to moderate Alzheimer's disease. Researchers say 35 academic centers in the U.S. will be involved in the Phase III trial.
SOURCE:
Alzheimer's Association International Conference on Alzheimer's
Disease, Chicago, July 26 – 31, 2008
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