Vaccinex reports positive data for SIGNAL-AD phase 1b/2 trial of pepinemab in Alzheimer

Vaccinex, Inc. announced positive early results from its SIGNAL-AD trial of pepinemab for Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Presented by Eric Siemers, MD, at the Alzheimer’s Association International Conference, the trial met its primary safety endpoint, showing pepinemab is well-tolerated with no serious adverse events reported at any of the 16 sites.

Pepinemab significantly increased FDG-PET signal in the medial temporal cortex of patients with Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) due to AD, indicating potential to slow disease progression. Although the study wasn’t large enough to detect significant cognitive improvements, previous trials showed pepinemab improved cognition in Huntington’s disease patients.

With 12%-18% of people over 60 affected by MCI due to AD, pepinemab's potential is significant. It may offer an alternative or complement to current anti-Aβ treatments. The trial, funded by the Alzheimer’s Association and ADDF, involved 50 patients and assessed brain metabolic activity and safety.