Dr. David Podwall and Dr. Michael Han of Lake Success-based Neurological Associates of Long Island, are participating in a trial of a drug that could slow the progression of Alzheimer’s disease.
Neurological Associates of Long Island is one of 90 sites across the world participating in the Alzheimer’s Evoke Study, a 24-month trial of a new drug called Semaglutide that could help prevent the progression of cognition and functional loss in patients with early Alzheimer’s disease.
The practice, which treats thousands of Alzheimer’s patients from across Long Island, aims to have 30 participants enrolled in the national study of about 800 patients by the time enrollment closes, said Dr. David Podwall, a physician at Neurological Associates.
“Participating in clinical trials allows patients to be proactive in the management of their own problem, but it also allows them to help the larger community because there is a desperate need for new medications,” Podwall said.
The study has been underway for about a year and a half is open to people who are at least 55 years old, and have been diagnosed with mild Alzheimer’s disease or mild cognitive impairment. This is a double-blinded study and participants are given Semaglutide to take their existing medications while the others are given a placebo.
Alzheimer’s is a rapidly growing public health concern causing a significant global socioeconomic impact. Worldwide, around 50 million people are currently living with dementia with a projected increase to approximately 152 million people by the year 2050.
There is a lack of effective treatment for a disease that affects more than five million people in the U.S., according to the Alzheimer’s Association, a national research and advocacy nonprofit.
If approved by the Food and Drug Administration, Semaglutide could offer a new, more effective way of treating the disease, Podwall said. Semaglutide is a once-daily selective glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist (GLP-1 RA).
One distinct advantage this trial has over other Alzheimer’s trials is this is not an infusion, but a once-a-day oral medication, Dr. Han mentioned. Additionally, this class of medication is already FDA-approved for other conditions.
Anyone interested in participating in the Evoke Clinical trial can call Neurological Associates at 516-466-4700, ext. 140, to see if they qualify.