BioVie Inc. presented data from its Phase 3 NM101 study on bezisterim, a drug candidate for Alzheimer’s disease, at the World Aging and Rejuvenation Conference. The data suggests bezisterim may impact biological aging through anti-inflammatory epigenetic modifications, potentially offering a new approach to treating neurodegenerative diseases. The study analyzed blood samples from Alzheimer’s patients treated with bezisterim and placebo, using epigenetic “biological clocks” to measure age deceleration.
This research is important because it explores a novel approach to Alzheimer’s treatment, shifting from focusing on individual gene products like amyloid or p-Tau to modulating inflammation and potentially influencing multiple genes simultaneously. This could lead to more comprehensive therapies addressing the complex interplay of factors contributing to neurodegeneration. Furthermore, the potential impact on biological aging suggests broader applications beyond Alzheimer’s, potentially addressing other age-related diseases.
The Phase 3 study data indicated that bezisterim-treated patients showed a decrease in biological age compared to the placebo group across multiple epigenetic clocks. Additionally, bezisterim appeared to modulate genes associated with inflammatory kinase cascades, aging, and cognition. Improvements were also observed in metabolic and inflammatory biomarkers like fasting glucose, cholesterol, and MCP levels.
These findings suggest bezisterim could represent a significant advancement in addressing age-related neurodegenerative diseases. Further research will be crucial to validate these initial results and explore the full potential of bezisterim, including its impact on overall healthspan and its potential application in other age-related conditions.
Jon Napitupulu is Director of Media Relations at The Clinical Trial Vanguard. Jon, a computer data scientist, focuses on the latest clinical trial industry news and trends.
