Researchers at Cognition Therapeutics have unveiled promising results for zervimesine, an experimental drug designed to address the complex symptoms of dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB), a devastating neurological disorder affecting approximately 1.4 million people in the United States.
The phase 2 SHIMMER study, presented at the International Lewy Body Dementia Conference in Amsterdam, revealed significant therapeutic responses across multiple domains of patient functioning. The double-blind, placebo-controlled trial enrolled 130 adults and demonstrated remarkable improvements in behavioral, functional, cognitive, and motor symptoms among participants receiving the experimental treatment.
Key findings from the study highlight zervimesine's potential to transform DLB patient care. Patients treated with the drug scored 86% better on the neuropsychiatric inventory, indicating fewer and less severe hallucinations, delusions, anxiety, and agitation. Moreover, participants maintained 52% more of their self-care abilities and experienced a 91% reduction in cognitive fluctuations compared to the placebo group.
Dr. James E. Galvin, the study director, emphasized the significance of these results, noting that DLB patients are often placed in care facilities due to overwhelming neuropsychiatric and motor symptoms. The study suggests that zervimesine could potentially enable patients to remain at home with caregiver support, offering hope to individuals and families affected by this challenging condition.
Motor function improvements were equally compelling, with zervimesine-treated patients maintaining 62% better motor control, including improvements in gait, balance, and tremor management. These findings are particularly important given DLB's progressive nature and its reputation as the costliest form of dementia.
Dr. Anthony O. Caggiano, Cognition Therapeutics' Chief Medical Officer, highlighted the broad and meaningful impact of the drug, suggesting that the results reinforce zervimesine's potential to address the complex symptoms associated with DLB.
While further research is needed, these initial phase 2 trial results represent a significant step forward in understanding and potentially treating a challenging neurological disorder that dramatically impacts patients' quality of life and places substantial emotional and financial strain on caregivers and healthcare systems.
