Providence, RI – The Memory and Aging Program at Butler Hospital is proud to announce its participation in the phase 2 CELIA study evaluating diranersen (BIIB080), an investigational therapy targeting tau pathology in individuals with early Alzheimer’s disease. Recently announced topline results from the international study demonstrated reductions in tau pathology and signals of cognitive benefit, representing an important milestone in Alzheimer’s research.
The CELIA study is a Phase 2 trial evaluating diranersen, a tau-targeting antisense oligonucleotide therapy designed to reduce production of the tau protein, a key driver of Alzheimer’s disease progression. According to Biogen, the study showed robust biomarker impact and cognitive benefit in early Alzheimer’s disease.
Dr. Stephen Salloway, Founding Director of the Memory and Aging Program, served on the study steering committee and helped guide the development and execution of this important clinical trial.
“Alzheimer’s disease remains one of the greatest challenges in medicine, and these findings represent meaningful progress for patients and families affected by the devastating disease,” said Salloway. “We are proud to have contributed to a study that advances our understanding of therapies targeting tau pathology and their potential role in slowing disease progression.”
The CELIA study enrolled more than 400 participants with mild cognitive impairment due to Alzheimer’s disease or mild Alzheimer’s disease dementia. The study evaluated three intrathecal doses of diranersen over a 76-week placebo-controlled treatment period. Researchers from clinical trial sites worldwide collaborated to evaluate the safety, tolerability, biomarker effects, and clinical effects.
“These types of collaborative studies are essential to accelerating progress in Alzheimer’s treatment,” said Dr. Ted Huey, Director, Memory and Aging Program, Butler Hospital. “We are grateful to the patients and the families who participated in this research and made these findings possible.”
“Participation in the CELIA study reflects Butler’s ongoing commitment to advancing innovative research and expanding access to cutting-edge clinical trials for patients facing neurological diseases,” said Mary Marran, President and Chief Operating Officer, Butler Hospital. “Research is central to Butler’s mission of improving the health and future of the community.”
Biogen has announced plans to advance diranersen into further development following the Phase 2 results.
About Butler Behavioral Health
Butler Behavioral Health is Care New England’s comprehensive, patient-centered behavioral health service line that delivers coordinated, evidence-based inpatient and outpatient services at Care New England facilities.
Butler Behavioral Health has its origins at Butler Hospital, a leading provider of compassionate and innovative psychiatric treatment since 1844. Butler Hospital is the largest private, nonprofit psychiatric and substance abuse hospital serving adults, seniors, and adolescents in Rhode Island and Southeastern Massachusetts.