Bexarotene Amyloid Treatment for Alzheimer's Disease
Status:
Completed
Trial end date:
2014-12-01
Target enrollment:
Participant gender:
Summary
Retinoid X receptors (RXR) are nuclear receptors that have been linked to numerous metabolic
pathways relevant to Alzheimer's disease (AD) and Aβ (harmful protein) production and
removal. The study drug "bexarotene" is an FDA approved anti-cancer agent but is not approved
for use in Alzheimer's disease. Bexarotene acts as an RXR agonist that has reduced Aβ
(harmful protein) in the brain in experimental models of Alzheimer's disease.
This study aims to determine the safety and effect on abnormal proteins found in the brain
(based on brain scans) of 300 mg of "bexarotene" administered for one month compared to
placebo (inactive agent).