Cognito Therapeutics has announced publication of MRI imaging data from its Phase 2 OVERTURE study in the Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease (AD). The promising study demonstrates reduced White Matter Atrophy. Scientists believe this to be implicit in brain function degeneration.
Background
So-called “white matter” degeneration can affect brain function and connectivity. This is because of the crucial role of myelin in electrical impulse conduction within neuronal networks. As a result, longitudinal evaluation of white matter volume and myelin content could provide valuable insight into AD progression.
Restoring myelin content or preventing demyelination has been suggested as a therapeutic approach for AD. To this end Cognito therapy employs proprietary, non-invasive, sensory stimulation to induce increased gamma frequency brain activity. It employs specific frequencies of auditory and visual neuromodulation to improve synaptic connections between neurons, activate microglia, and enhance removal of pathological proteins from the brain. This leads to reduced neurodegeneration and brain atrophy, as well as improved sleep, cognitive and functional abilities.
Alzheimer’s Study Details
Study authors presented MRI data from the OVERTURE study (NCT03556280). This was a randomized, controlled, clinical trial. Active treatment participants received daily, non-invasive, combined visual and auditory, 40 Hz stimulation for six months with Cognito therapy. Furthermore, and importantly the study analysis includes a subset of OVERTURE participants who meet the inclusion criteria for detailed white matter (N = 38) and myelin content (N = 36) assessments.
Investigators performed white matter volume assessments using T1-weighted MRI. They assessed myelin content using T1-weighted/T2-weighted MRI ratios. In addition, over 6 months they assessed treatment effects on white matter atrophy and myelin content loss.
Alzheimer’s Affected Region Responsive
The paper is titled: “Noninvasive gamma sensory stimulation may reduce white matter and myelin loss in Alzheimer’s Disease”. It reports on the Phase 2 OVERTURE study. This looked at people with mild-moderate Alzheimer’s Disease (AD). Patients received one-hour daily treatment with Cognito’s gamma sensory device over 6 months. The results showed reduced white matter atrophy and preserved brain myelin content compared to sham treatment in the study.
Specifically the MRI treatment effect was highest in the entorhinal region. Scientists say this is where white matter connections to the hippocampus affect learning and memory. The region is demonstrably associated with AD. Moreover the findings are consistent with preclinical data.
Company comments
“The study results suggest that combined visual and auditory gamma-sensory stimulation may modulate neuronal network function in AD in part by reducing white matter atrophy and myelin content loss,” said Ralph Kern, M.D., MHSc, Chief Medical Officer, Cognito Therapeutics.
“The entorhinal region MRI outcomes may have significant implications for early AD intervention, considering the crucial afferent connections to the hippocampus and entorhinal cortex.”
Brent Vaughan, CEO, Cognito Therapeutics, added his comments. “White matter atrophy and myelin loss may be a mechanistically important AD treatment target and may identify individuals at high risk of disease progression.”
“Our Phase 2 OVERTURE study imaging results published in the Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease, show that our proprietary gamma sensory stimulation reduced white matter atrophy and preserved brain myelin content. We look forward to advancing our Phase 3 HOPE study to bring this novel disease modifying therapy to patients.”
Search Alzheimer’s on Medlatest here
Source: Businesswire
published: December 12, 2023 in: Clinical Studies/Trials, Neuro, News, Technology