Inflammation, cell metabolism and neuronal health are current key areas of focus for dementia researchers, according to Jane Osbourn, chief scientific officer (CSO) at Alchemab.

Osbourn was speaking on a panel discussing novel approaches to treat neurodegeneration at the 2024 Anglonordic Life Science Conference being held in London, UK on 18 April.

She outlined that the past five to 10 years have led towards a better understanding of dementia’s causes.

“Obviously one cause is toxic protein aggregation, which has been a hypothesis for decades and is being addressed, but we’re starting to see more understanding of other causes such as inflammation, cell metabolism and neuronal health, and I think those are the areas that will now form the next wave of products that can then be used in combinations.

“I think understanding the causes, and what we are doing as an industry about them – such as whether we can do anything about neuronal health or making the brain more resilient against inflammation – are just some of the questions under consideration at this time.”

On the collaborative nature of being able to get cohorts together, Osbourn added: “I think in recent times there’s been a step change in collaboration and consortia, and getting patients to enable biomarkers, diagnosis and trials, which is going to really help in gaining further insights.”

Osbourn highlighted the impact of ageing dementia populations.

“Ageing is a risk for neurodegeneration, and we’re all becoming much more aware of the significance of that in terms of the impact on patients, carers, and society. I think there’s a massive societal risk around the dementia population ageing in terms of how they integrate with society.

“Society is built for people who are able, have memory, can use online tools – and one of my personal concerns is around a need to look more closely at how we are supporting people through dementia; not just by drugs but in a more holistic way.”

Speciality pharmaceutical group Essential Pharma recently completed the acquisition of Reminyl oral capsules from Johnson & Johnson company Janssen Pharmaceutica.

Reminyl is an established central nervous system (CNS) drug for mild to moderately severe dementia of the Alzheimer type.

Sabirnetug is a humanised, monoclonal antibody under clinical development by Acumen Pharmaceuticals and currently in Phase I for Dementia Associated With Alzheimer’s Disease.