Researchers in the United Kingdom have initiated a clinical trial designed to test existing medications for their potential effectiveness against Alzheimer’s disease. The study, called AD-SMART, represents a new approach to drug evaluation that allows scientists to assess multiple treatments at the same time rather than testing them individually.
The trial will initially examine two repurposed medications: metformin, currently used to treat type 2 diabetes, and atomoxetine, prescribed for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. These drugs were selected by an international panel of experts based on their potential to reduce brain inflammation, which researchers believe contributes to neurodegeneration. The study will measure whether these treatments can slow the decline of memory and thinking abilities while helping participants maintain their quality of life.
The AD-SMART study employs a platform trial design similar to approaches used successfully in cancer and motor neurone disease research. This structure allows researchers to quickly discontinue medications that show no benefit and introduce new treatments without waiting for complete trial cycles to finish. Approximately 1,200 participants with mild to moderate Alzheimer’s will be enrolled across more than 30 sites throughout the UK, with locations already operational in Cambridgeshire, Surrey, London, Southampton, and Edinburgh.
Participants will undergo regular health assessments including cognitive testing to help researchers evaluate treatment effectiveness. Scientists anticipate completing evaluations of the initial medications in 2030, with additional treatments expected to be introduced during that period. The trial is being led by the UK Dementia Research Institute and Alzheimer’s Research UK, with support from multiple government and research organizations. Alzheimer’s affects approximately 600,000 people in the UK and is the most common form of dementia.
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