Li Huan, Shen Xinai, Zhang Beiyu, Zhu Zheying
Division of Molecular Therapeutics and Formulation, School of Pharmacy, The University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2RD, UK.
Molecules. 2025 Aug 24;30(17):3479. doi: 10.3390/molecules30173479.
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder characterised by cognitive decline, synaptic loss, and multifaceted pathology involving amyloid-β (Aβ) aggregation, tau hyperphosphorylation, neuroinflammation, and impaired proteostasis. In recent years, biologic therapies, such as monoclonal antibodies, vaccines, antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs), and gene therapies, have gained prominence as promising disease-modifying strategies. In this review, we provide a comprehensive synthesis of current biologic approaches under clinical evaluation for AD. Drawing on data curated from (as of 2025), we systematically summarise the molecular targets, therapeutic modalities, mechanisms of action, trial phases, and sponsors of over 60 biologic agents. These include Aβ-directed antibodies targeting distinct conformers such as protofibrils, pyroglutamate-modified species, and soluble oligomers; tau-targeted immunotherapies and RNA-based interventions; and emerging platforms focused on neuroimmune modulation, peptide hormones, and microbiota-based strategies. Gene and RNA therapeutics, particularly ASOs and small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) delivered intrathecally or via lipid nanoparticles, are also reviewed for their potential to modulate intracellular targets with high specificity. We also analyse the historical landscape of biologic candidates that failed to reach approval, discussing key reasons for trial discontinuation, including lack of clinical efficacy, safety concerns (e.g., amyloid-related imaging abnormalities), or inadequate biomarker responses. These cases offer crucial insights for refining future drug design. Looking ahead, we highlight major challenges and evolving perspectives in AD biologic therapy: expanding therapeutic targets beyond Aβ and tau, overcoming delivery barriers to the brain, designing prevention-oriented and genetically stratified trials, and navigating regulatory and ethical considerations. Together, these efforts signal a paradigm shift in AD drug development, from symptomatic treatment to mechanism-based precision biologics. By integrating real-time clinical trial data with mechanistic insight, this review aims to inform both translational research and therapeutic innovation in AD.
阿尔茨海默病(AD)是一种进行性神经退行性疾病,其特征为认知功能下降、突触丧失以及涉及淀粉样蛋白-β(Aβ)聚集、tau蛋白过度磷酸化、神经炎症和蛋白稳态受损的多方面病理变化。近年来,生物疗法,如单克隆抗体、疫苗、反义寡核苷酸(ASO)和基因疗法,作为有前景的疾病修饰策略而备受关注。在本综述中,我们全面综合了目前正在进行AD临床评估的生物疗法。基于截至2025年整理的数据,我们系统总结了60多种生物制剂的分子靶点、治疗方式、作用机制、试验阶段和申办方。这些包括针对不同构象(如原纤维、焦谷氨酸修饰形式和可溶性寡聚体)的Aβ导向抗体;tau靶向免疫疗法和基于RNA的干预措施;以及专注于神经免疫调节、肽激素和基于微生物群策略的新兴平台。还综述了基因和RNA疗法,特别是鞘内或通过脂质纳米颗粒递送的ASO和小干扰RNA(siRNA),因其具有高特异性调节细胞内靶点的潜力。我们还分析了未能获批的生物候选药物的历史情况,讨论试验终止的关键原因,包括缺乏临床疗效、安全问题(如淀粉样蛋白相关成像异常)或生物标志物反应不足。这些案例为改进未来药物设计提供了关键见解。展望未来,我们强调AD生物疗法中的主要挑战和不断演变的观点:将治疗靶点扩展到Aβ和tau之外,克服向大脑的递送障碍,设计以预防为导向和基因分层的试验,以及应对监管和伦理考量。总之,这些努力标志着AD药物开发从对症治疗向基于机制的精准生物制剂的范式转变。通过将实时临床试验数据与机制性见解相结合,本综述旨在为AD的转化研究和治疗创新提供参考。