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(Ivanhoe Newswire) -- New results support the practice of using antibodies to treat Alzheimers 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.
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For the research, 24 patients with mild to moderate Alzheimers 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 Alzheimers patients treated over nine months. Study authors say this is the first study to show benefits for Alzheimers 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 Alzheimers disease. Researchers say 35 academic centers in the U.S. will be involved in the Phase III trial.
SOURCE: Alzheimers Association International Conference on Alzheimers Disease, Chicago, July 26 31, 2008
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