The University of Texas Medical Branch announced publication of an article in Science Translational Medicine by UTMB researchers who are developing an intranasal toxic tau conformation–specific monoclonal antibody-2 (TTCM2) to prevent the accumulation of tau protein in the brain. The article describes successful intranasal delivery of TTCM2 loaded in micelles to the brains of mice. In addition to demonstrating successful delivery to the brain, a single dose of intranasal TTCM2-ms also cleared existing tau in a mouse model of neurodegenerative diseases caused by aggregates of tau protein and improved cognitive function in the mice, the authors report.
Funding for the study included grants from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the Alzheimer’s Association. According to the announcement, the UTMB researchers are continuing preclinical studies and expect to advance TTCM2-ms into clinical trials in the future.
Lead author Rakez Kayed commented, “Our research highlights the potential of nasal tau immunotherapy to effectively target intracellular tau aggregates– a primary driver of neurodegeneration and cognitive decline in diseases like Alzheimer’s and other tauopathies. This method not only improves the delivery of therapeutic antibodies but also enhances their efficacy in clearing tau aggregates and improving cognitive functions.”
Read the University of Texas Medical Branch press release.
