Participants needed in clinical trials to advance Alzheimer's disease research
To advance research, more than 50,000 participants are needed in clinical trials examining potential new treatments. Hundreds of thousands are needed in broader dementia research studies.
Alzheimer's Association TrialMatch is a free, easy-to-use service that connects interested individuals living with Alzheimer's and other dementias, caregivers, and healthy volunteers with appropriate trials.
Experts believe there isn't a single cause of Alzheimer's, and research shows that adopting healthy habits can improve brain health and reduce the risk of cognitive decline, according to the Alzheimer's Association.
They suggest proactively taking care of brain health, which includes challenging the mind, getting regular exercise, protecting the head from injuries, living a smoke-free life, controlling blood pressure, eating healthier foods, and getting quality sleep.
'We want people to know there are steps they can take to keep their brains healthy. We also want to encourage anyone experiencing memory or thinking problems to talk to their doctor. There are many possible causes — and if it is Alzheimer's disease, there are numerous benefits to getting a timely diagnosis,' said Ashton Houghton, executive director of Alzheimer's Association, South Carolina chapter.
To get a timely diagnosis, the Alzheimer's Association lists some of the early signs and symptoms of Alzheimer's. Some include memory loss that disrupts daily life, challenges in planning or solving problems, difficulty completing familiar tasks, confusion with time or place, trouble understanding visual images and spatial relationships, new problems with words in speaking or writing, changes in mood and personality.
Those interested can volunteer with the Alzheimer's Association to help those in the community take steps to reduce their dementia risk and recognize the signs of Alzheimer's, and can find volunteer opportunities on their website.
June is Alzheimer's and Brain Awareness Month.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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Business Wire
3 hours ago
- Business Wire
DAWNZERA ™ (donidalorsen) approved in the U.S. as first and only RNA-targeted prophylactic treatment for hereditary angioedema
CARLSBAD, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Ionis Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (Nasdaq: IONS) announced today that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved DAWNZERA™ (donidalorsen) for prophylaxis to prevent attacks of hereditary angioedema (HAE) in adult and pediatric patients 12 years of age and older. DAWNZERA is the first and only RNA-targeted medicine approved for HAE, designed to target plasma prekallikrein (PKK), a key protein that activates inflammatory mediators associated with acute attacks of HAE. DAWNZERA 80mg is self-administered via subcutaneous autoinjector once every four (Q4W) or eight weeks (Q8W). HAE is a rare and potentially life-threatening genetic condition that involves recurrent attacks of severe swelling (angioedema) in various parts of the body, including the hands, feet, genitals, stomach, face and/or throat. HAE is estimated to affect approximately 7,000 people in the U.S. 'DAWNZERA represents a significant advance for people living with HAE who need improved treatment options. With strong and durable efficacy, convenient administration and the longest dosing option available, we believe DAWNZERA will be the prophylactic treatment of choice for many people living with HAE. Importantly, the recently published switch data empowers patients and physicians with a roadmap for switching to DAWNZERA from other prophylactic therapies,' said Brett P. Monia, Ph.D., chief executive officer, Ionis. 'At Ionis, we are dedicated to turning groundbreaking science into life-changing medicines. With the early success of our first independent launch of TRYNGOLZA® for familial chylomicronemia syndrome (FCS), and now with DAWNZERA, our second independent medicine approved in less than nine months, we are proudly delivering on that vision. To the patients, families, advocacy partners and investigators who helped make this moment a reality, we express our deepest gratitude.' The approval of DAWNZERA was based on positive results from the Phase 3 global, multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled OASIS-HAE study in patients with HAE. The study met its primary endpoint, with DAWNZERA Q4W significantly reducing monthly HAE attack rate by 81% compared to placebo over 24 weeks. Mean attack rate reduction increased to 87% when measured from the second dose, a key secondary endpoint. Additionally, DAWNZERA Q4W reduced moderate-to-severe HAE attacks by ~90% over 24 weeks when measured from the second dose. These results are bolstered by the ongoing OASISplus open-label extension (OLE) study, in which DAWNZERA Q8W had a similar effect as Q4W over time. DAWNZERA demonstrated 94% total mean attack rate reduction from baseline across both dosing groups after one year in the OLE. The OASISplus study also includes a switch cohort evaluating DAWNZERA Q4W in patients previously treated with lanadelumab, C1-esterase inhibitor or berotralstat for at least 12 weeks. Switching to DAWNZERA reduced mean HAE attack rate by 62% from prior prophylactic treatment over 16 weeks, with no mean increase in breakthrough attacks observed during the switch. A total of 84% of patients surveyed preferred DAWNZERA over their prior prophylactic treatment, citing better disease control, less time to administer and less injection site pain or reactions. Across clinical studies, DAWNZERA demonstrated a favorable safety and tolerability profile. The most common adverse reactions (incidence ≥ 5%) were injection site reactions, upper respiratory tract infection, urinary tract infection and abdominal discomfort. 'As the first FDA-approved RNA-targeted therapy for HAE, DAWNZERA represents a welcome advance in therapeutic options for preventing attacks. Today's approval gives people living with HAE and their physicians another important choice for aligning treatment with individual needs,' said Anthony J. Castaldo, CEO & chairman of the board, U.S. Hereditary Angioedema Association (HAEA) and Hereditary Angioedema International (HAEi). "People living with HAE manage this condition for all their lives, and many continue to face unpredictable, painful and dangerous breakthrough attacks even with current treatments. Durable efficacy is essential in maintaining long-term disease control,' said Marc Riedl, M.D., M.S., clinical director, U.S. HAEA Angioedema Center; University of California, San Diego; OASIS-HAE and OASISplus trial investigator. "DAWNZERA is positioned to help meet patient needs, providing substantial and sustained reduction of HAE attacks, continued improvement over time and reduced burden of treatment.' DAWNZERA will be available in the U.S. in the coming days. Ionis is committed to helping people access the medicines they are prescribed and will offer a suite of services designed to meet the unique needs of the HAE community through Ionis Every Step™. As part of Ionis Every Step, patients and healthcare providers will have access to a wide range of support and resources including dedicated support from a Patient Education Manager, assistance with the insurance approval process, information on affordability programs, access to the DAWNZERA Direct digital companion and other ongoing services and resources to help patients stay on track. Visit for more information. Webcast Ionis will hold a webcast today at 12:15pm ET to discuss the FDA approval. Interested parties may access the webcast here. A webcast replay will be available for a limited time. IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION CONTRAINDICATIONS DAWNZERA is contraindicated in patients with a history of serious hypersensitivity reactions, including anaphylaxis, to donidalorsen or any of the excipients in DAWNZERA. WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS Hypersensitivity Reactions Hypersensitivity reactions, including anaphylaxis, have been reported in patients treated with DAWNZERA. If signs and symptoms of serious hypersensitivity reactions occur, discontinue DAWNZERA and institute appropriate therapy. ADVERSE REACTIONS Most common adverse reactions (incidence ≥ 5%) are injection site reactions, upper respiratory tract infection, urinary tract infection, and abdominal discomfort. Please see full Prescribing Information for DAWNZERA. About DAWNZERA™ (donidalorsen) DAWNZERA™ (donidalorsen) is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for prophylaxis to prevent attacks of hereditary angioedema (HAE) in adult and pediatric patients 12 years of age and older. DAWNZERA is an RNA-targeted medicine designed to target plasma prekallikrein (PKK), which plays an important role in activating inflammatory mediators associated with acute attacks of HAE. For more information about DAWNZERA, visit About Ionis Pharmaceuticals, Inc. For three decades, Ionis has invented medicines that bring better futures to people with serious diseases. Ionis has marketed medicines and a leading pipeline in neurology, cardiology and other areas of high patient need. As the pioneer in RNA-targeted medicines, Ionis continues to drive innovation in RNA therapies in addition to advancing new approaches in gene editing. A deep understanding of disease biology and industry-leading technology propels our work, coupled with a passion and urgency to deliver life-changing advances for patients. To learn more about Ionis, visit and follow us on X (Twitter), LinkedIn and Instagram. Ionis Forward-Looking Statements This press release includes forward-looking statements regarding Ionis' business and the therapeutic and commercial potential of DAWNZERA, our commercial medicines, additional medicines in development and technologies. Any statement describing Ionis' goals, expectations, financial or other projections, intentions or beliefs is a forward-looking statement and should be considered an at-risk statement. Such statements are subject to certain risks and uncertainties including those inherent in the process of discovering, developing and commercializing medicines that are safe and effective for use as human therapeutics, and in the endeavor of building a business around such medicines. Ionis' forward-looking statements also involve assumptions that, if they never materialize or prove correct, could cause its results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Although Ionis' forward-looking statements reflect the good faith judgment of its management, these statements are based only on facts and factors currently known by Ionis. Except as required by law, we undertake no obligation to update any forward-looking statements for any reason. As a result, you are cautioned not to rely on these forward-looking statements. These and other risks concerning Ionis' programs are described in additional detail in Ionis' annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2024, and most recent Form 10-Q, which are on file with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Copies of these and other documents are available from the Company. In this press release, unless the context requires otherwise, "Ionis," "Company," "we," "our" and "us" all refer to Ionis Pharmaceuticals and its subsidiaries. Ionis Pharmaceuticals®, Ionis Every Step™, DAWNZERA™ and TRYNGOLZA® are trademarks of Ionis Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
UPI
3 hours ago
- UPI
Study finds link between metabolic syndrome, Parkinson's disease
Karolinska Institute researchers in Sweden said their study found people with metabolic syndrome have up to a 40% higher risk of developing Parkinson's disease. File Photo by John Angelillo/UPI | License Photo Folks with metabolic syndrome have up to a 40% higher risk of developing Parkinson's disease, a new study says. Metabolic syndrome is a cluster of health problems that include excess belly fat, high blood pressure, elevated blood sugar and abnormal cholesterol levels. It's already known to increase people's risk of heart disease, stroke and type 2 diabetes. And now researchers have found an association between metabolic syndrome and Parkinson's, a degenerative nerve disease that primarily affects motor skills, according to findings published Wednesday in the journal Neurology. "Parkinson's disease is the second most common neurodegenerative disorder among older adults after Alzheimer's disease, and metabolic syndrome affects an estimated 1 in 4 adults and is highly modifiable," researcher Weili Xu, a professor in geriatric epidemiology at the Karolinska Institute in Stockholm, said in a news release. "Our findings suggest that metabolic syndrome may be a modifiable risk factor for Parkinson's disease," Xu said. For the study, researchers analyzed data for more than 467,000 participants in the UK Biobank, a large-scale health research project in the United Kingdom. Nearly 2 of 5 people (38%) had metabolic syndrome. Participants were followed for a median of 15 years, during which more than 3,200 developed Parkinson's disease. Median means half were followed longer, half for a shorter time. People with metabolic syndrome were about 40% more likely to develop Parkinson's than those without the syndrome, results show. Researchers also pooled their research with data gathered in eight previous studies, creating a group of nearly 25 million people with more than 98,500 cases of Parkinson's. In that meta-analysis, the team found a 29% increased risk of Parkinson's among people with metabolic syndrome. "We also found a higher risk of Parkinson's disease for people with both metabolic syndrome and a genetic susceptibility for Parkinson's disease," Xu said. "This suggests that maintaining metabolic health may be especially important for people who have genes that increase their risk for Parkinson's disease." Parkinson's occurs when the body's ability to produce the neurochemical dopamine is damaged or destroyed. A lack of dopamine causes the movement problems associated with the disease. Researchers said the health problems associated with metabolic syndrome might impair dopamine production in the body. High blood pressure and high cholesterol also might damage the tiny blood vessels in the brain, contributing to Parkinson's. Researchers noted that their findings could not prove a direct cause-and-effect link between metabolic syndrome and Parkinson's, only an association. "Future studies are needed to see whether working to control metabolic syndrome could help prevent Parkinson's disease," Xu concluded. More information The American Heart Association has more on metabolic syndrome. Copyright © 2025 HealthDay. All rights reserved.
Business Wire
3 hours ago
- Business Wire
(donidalorsen) approved in the U.S. as first and only RNA-targeted prophylactic treatment for hereditary angioedema
CARLSBAD, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Ionis Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (Nasdaq: IONS) announced today that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved DAWNZERA™ (donidalorsen) for prophylaxis to prevent attacks of hereditary angioedema (HAE) in adult and pediatric patients 12 years of age and older. DAWNZERA is the first and only RNA-targeted medicine approved for HAE, designed to target plasma prekallikrein (PKK), a key protein that activates inflammatory mediators associated with acute attacks of HAE. DAWNZERA 80mg is self-administered via subcutaneous autoinjector once every four (Q4W) or eight weeks (Q8W). HAE is a rare and potentially life-threatening genetic condition that involves recurrent attacks of severe swelling (angioedema) in various parts of the body, including the hands, feet, genitals, stomach, face and/or throat. HAE is estimated to affect approximately 7,000 people in the U.S. 'DAWNZERA represents a significant advance for people living with HAE who need improved treatment options. With strong and durable efficacy, convenient administration and the longest dosing option available, we believe DAWNZERA will be the prophylactic treatment of choice for many people living with HAE. Importantly, the recently published switch data empowers patients and physicians with a roadmap for switching to DAWNZERA from other prophylactic therapies,' said Brett P. Monia, Ph.D., chief executive officer, Ionis. 'At Ionis, we are dedicated to turning groundbreaking science into life-changing medicines. With the early success of our first independent launch of TRYNGOLZA® for familial chylomicronemia syndrome (FCS), and now with DAWNZERA, our second independent medicine approved in less than nine months, we are proudly delivering on that vision. To the patients, families, advocacy partners and investigators who helped make this moment a reality, we express our deepest gratitude.' The approval of DAWNZERA was based on positive results from the Phase 3 global, multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled OASIS-HAE study in patients with HAE. The study met its primary endpoint, with DAWNZERA Q4W significantly reducing monthly HAE attack rate by 81% compared to placebo over 24 weeks. Mean attack rate reduction increased to 87% when measured from the second dose, a key secondary endpoint. Additionally, DAWNZERA Q4W reduced moderate-to-severe HAE attacks by ~90% over 24 weeks when measured from the second dose. These results are bolstered by the ongoing OASISplus open-label extension (OLE) study, in which DAWNZERA Q8W had a similar effect as Q4W over time. DAWNZERA demonstrated 94% total mean attack rate reduction from baseline across both dosing groups after one year in the OLE. The OASISplus study also includes a switch cohort evaluating DAWNZERA Q4W in patients previously treated with lanadelumab, C1-esterase inhibitor or berotralstat for at least 12 weeks. Switching to DAWNZERA reduced mean HAE attack rate by 62% from prior prophylactic treatment over 16 weeks, with no mean increase in breakthrough attacks observed during the switch. A total of 84% of patients surveyed preferred DAWNZERA over their prior prophylactic treatment, citing better disease control, less time to administer and less injection site pain or reactions. Across clinical studies, DAWNZERA demonstrated a favorable safety and tolerability profile. The most common adverse reactions (incidence ≥ 5%) were injection site reactions, upper respiratory tract infection, urinary tract infection and abdominal discomfort. 'As the first FDA-approved RNA-targeted therapy for HAE, DAWNZERA represents a welcome advance in therapeutic options for preventing attacks. Today's approval gives people living with HAE and their physicians another important choice for aligning treatment with individual needs,' said Anthony J. Castaldo, CEO & chairman of the board, U.S. Hereditary Angioedema Association (HAEA) and Hereditary Angioedema International (HAEi). "People living with HAE manage this condition for all their lives, and many continue to face unpredictable, painful and dangerous breakthrough attacks even with current treatments. Durable efficacy is essential in maintaining long-term disease control,' said Marc Riedl, M.D., M.S., clinical director, U.S. HAEA Angioedema Center; University of California, San Diego; OASIS-HAE and OASISplus trial investigator. "DAWNZERA is positioned to help meet patient needs, providing substantial and sustained reduction of HAE attacks, continued improvement over time and reduced burden of treatment.' DAWNZERA will be available in the U.S. in the coming days. Ionis is committed to helping people access the medicines they are prescribed and will offer a suite of services designed to meet the unique needs of the HAE community through Ionis Every Step™. As part of Ionis Every Step, patients and healthcare providers will have access to a wide range of support and resources including dedicated support from a Patient Education Manager, assistance with the insurance approval process, information on affordability programs, access to the DAWNZERA Direct digital companion and other ongoing services and resources to help patients stay on track. Visit for more information. Webcast Ionis will hold a webcast today at 12:15pm ET to discuss the FDA approval. Interested parties may access the webcast here. A webcast replay will be available for a limited time. IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION CONTRAINDICATIONS DAWNZERA is contraindicated in patients with a history of serious hypersensitivity reactions, including anaphylaxis, to donidalorsen or any of the excipients in DAWNZERA. WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS Hypersensitivity Reactions Hypersensitivity reactions, including anaphylaxis, have been reported in patients treated with DAWNZERA. If signs and symptoms of serious hypersensitivity reactions occur, discontinue DAWNZERA and institute appropriate therapy. ADVERSE REACTIONS Most common adverse reactions (incidence ≥ 5%) are injection site reactions, upper respiratory tract infection, urinary tract infection, and abdominal discomfort. Please see full Prescribing Information for DAWNZERA. About DAWNZERA™ (donidalorsen) DAWNZERA™ (donidalorsen) is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for prophylaxis to prevent attacks of hereditary angioedema (HAE) in adult and pediatric patients 12 years of age and older. DAWNZERA is an RNA-targeted medicine designed to target plasma prekallikrein (PKK), which plays an important role in activating inflammatory mediators associated with acute attacks of HAE. For more information about DAWNZERA, visit About Ionis Pharmaceuticals, Inc. For three decades, Ionis has invented medicines that bring better futures to people with serious diseases. Ionis has marketed medicines and a leading pipeline in neurology, cardiology and other areas of high patient need. As the pioneer in RNA-targeted medicines, Ionis continues to drive innovation in RNA therapies in addition to advancing new approaches in gene editing. A deep understanding of disease biology and industry-leading technology propels our work, coupled with a passion and urgency to deliver life-changing advances for patients. To learn more about Ionis, visit and follow us on X (Twitter), LinkedIn and Instagram. Ionis Forward-Looking Statements This press release includes forward-looking statements regarding Ionis' business and the therapeutic and commercial potential of DAWNZERA, our commercial medicines, additional medicines in development and technologies. Any statement describing Ionis' goals, expectations, financial or other projections, intentions or beliefs is a forward-looking statement and should be considered an at-risk statement. Such statements are subject to certain risks and uncertainties including those inherent in the process of discovering, developing and commercializing medicines that are safe and effective for use as human therapeutics, and in the endeavor of building a business around such medicines. Ionis' forward-looking statements also involve assumptions that, if they never materialize or prove correct, could cause its results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Although Ionis' forward-looking statements reflect the good faith judgment of its management, these statements are based only on facts and factors currently known by Ionis. Except as required by law, we undertake no obligation to update any forward-looking statements for any reason. As a result, you are cautioned not to rely on these forward-looking statements. These and other risks concerning Ionis' programs are described in additional detail in Ionis' annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2024, and most recent Form 10-Q, which are on file with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Copies of these and other documents are available from the Company. In this press release, unless the context requires otherwise, "Ionis," "Company," "we," "our" and "us" all refer to Ionis Pharmaceuticals and its subsidiaries. Ionis Pharmaceuticals®, Ionis Every Step™, DAWNZERA™ and TRYNGOLZA® are trademarks of Ionis Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
