New research gives hope that a drug called tarenflurbil (Flurizan; also formerly known as R-flurbiprofen) could slow down the early stages of Alzheimer’s disease.

A study from the Universities of Oxford and Toronto, published today in Lancet Neurology, suggests that the drug can help with activities of daily living, provided it is given in the early stages, and seems safe in people with Alzheimer’s. Further work is ongoing to fully investigate its potential benefits.

Scientists examined the effectiveness of tarenflurbil over two years in 210 people with Alzheimer’s in both the mild and moderate stages of the disease. Compared with a dummy placebo, those on the drug with mild Alzheimer’s had a lower rate of decline in activities of daily living, such as problems with dressing, toileting or cooking. There was no difference in cognitive ability, such as memory. Conversely, tarenflurbil did not seem to benefit patients in the moderate stage of Alzheimer’s.

Tarenflurbil is a type of anti-inflammatory which is thought to lower levels of amyloid, a protein which ‘clogs up’ the brains of people with Alzheimer’s. Some other anti-inflammatories are thought to have a toxic effect in Alzheimer’s, but recent research has suggested tarenflurbil may give benefits while avoiding toxicity. The results of this new phase II trial are not proof that the drug will benefit those with Alzheimer's, but indicate it is safe with few side-effects and give the green light to further studies of the drug in people with mild Alzheimer’s. A US phase III trial is expected to report later this year.

Rebecca Wood, Chief Executive of the Alzheimer’s Research Trust, said, “This is promising research which could lead to a new treatment for people with Alzheimer’s and we look forward to seeing the results of further studies. While it is too early to be sure, tarenflurbil might slow down the disease in people with mild Alzheimer’s.”

She continued, “While this drug is unlikely to be a cure, it could improve quality of life which would be a real boost to people with Alzheimer’s who currently have very few options. With the number of people with Alzheimer’s forecast to double within a generation, we urgently need to fund more research to find better treatments. However, Alzheimer’s research is hugely under-funded with only £11 spent annually per patient compared with £289 for cancer.”