Researchers in the United Kingdom are launching a preventive trial for Alzheimer’s disease targeting individuals who show no current symptoms but carry biomarkers indicating heightened risk of cognitive decline. The PrevenTRON study, a phase III clinical trial, aims to enroll approximately 1,600 participants aged 55 to 80 from multiple countries. Initial European recruitment began with the Surrey and Borders Partnership NHS foundation trust screening participants on Monday.
Eligible participants must demonstrate normal memory function and have elevated levels of p-tau217, a blood-based biomarker associated with Alzheimer’s progression. Prior research has shown that individuals with the highest p-tau217 concentrations had an estimated 78% chance of developing cognitive impairment within 10 years. Additionally, blood tests measuring p-tau217 have demonstrated the ability to identify Alzheimer’s disease with up to 95% accuracy.
The trial investigates trontinemab, an investigational monoclonal antibody developed by Roche that targets amyloid plaques, toxic protein accumulations in the brain that contribute to neuronal damage. Early-stage research found the drug cleared amyloid plaques in nine out of 10 people with early-stage Alzheimer’s or mild cognitive impairment within 28 weeks. Participants will be randomly assigned to receive either trontinemab or placebo and monitored to assess the rate of dementia development over the trial period.
The study represents a shift in Alzheimer’s research toward prevention rather than treatment of established disease, as cognitive decline can occur for up to 10 years before symptomatic presentation. At least 15 hospitals and clinics across the UK are expected to participate by year’s end. The trial is anticipated to continue for four to six years. Interested individuals can contact the Surrey and Borders Partnership research team at 01372 216584 or [email protected].
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