Summary
This systematic review evaluates the efficacy of metal protein attenuating compounds (MPACs) for the treatment of cognitive impairment in Alzheimer’s dementia. Earlier experimentation and mouse model studies had indicated that MPACs might promote the dissolution and clearance of beta-amyloid (Aß) plaques.
The authors report a lack of evidence on whether clioquinol (PBT1) has any positive clinical benefit or whether it is safe. The planned phase III trial of PBT1 has been abandoned and this compound has been withdrawn. A second rigorous trial of PBT2 has shown this alternative compound to be safe and well tolerated in people with mild Alzheimer’s dementia, but further larger trials are required to investigate cognitive efficacy as measured by psychometric tests, or on improved quality of life, functional performance, effect on carer, and / or biomarkers.
Reference
Sampson, EL. Jenagaratnam, L. McShane, R. (2014). Metal protein attenuating compounds for the treatment of Alzheimer’s dementia. Cochrane Database Systematic Reviews. February 21st 2014; Issue 2: No. CD005380. (Click here to view the PubMed abstract).
