Metabolic dysfunction is increasingly recognized as a key contributor to Alzheimer's disease (AD) pathogenesis. This category page consolidates companies developing therapies that target metabolic pathways, including GLP-1 receptor agonists, SGLT2 inhibitors, metformin derivatives, and other metabolic modulators for AD treatment and prevention.
| Approach | Description | Companies |
|---|---|---|
| GLP-1 Receptor Agonists | GLP-1 analogs for neuroprotection, neuroinflammation reduction | Novo Nordisk, Eli Lilly, Neuraly |
| SGLT2 Inhibitors | Diabetes drugs with neuroprotective properties | AstraZeneca, Johnson & Johnson, Boehringer Ingelheim |
| Metformin and Analogs | AMPK activators with anti-aging effects | Generic pipelines, T3D Therapeutics |
| Metabolic Modulators | Brain glucose metabolism enhancers | Athira Pharma, Cerevel Therapeutics |
| PPAR Agonists | Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor modulators | T3D Therapeutics, Levicept |
Overview: Novo Nordisk is the global leader in GLP-1 receptor agonists, with a significant neuroscience research program investigating their potential in Alzheimer's disease.
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Overview: Eli Lilly has a major GLP-1 pipeline with Tirzepatide (dual GIP/GLP-1 agonist) and is investigating CNS applications.
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Overview: Neuraly is developing novel GLP-1 receptor agonists specifically for neurodegenerative diseases.
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Overview: AstraZeneca is investigating SGLT2 inhibitors (dapagliflozin) for cognitive outcomes in diabetes and AD.
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Overview: J&J's Janssen is developing canagliflozin with potential CNS applications.
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Overview: T3D is developing metabolic therapies targeting brain glucose utilization in AD.
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Overview: Athira is developing small molecule modulators of the HGF/MET system for neuroprotection.
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Overview: Cerevel is developing compounds targeting multiple neurotransmitter systems including metabolic pathways.
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Metformin is widely used for type 2 diabetes and has shown promise in observational studies for cognitive protection. Multiple academic and industry programs are investigating:
GLP-1 receptor agonists may benefit AD through:
SGLT2 inhibitors may provide:
| Drug | Company | Phase | Mechanism | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Semaglutide | Novo Nordisk | 3 | GLP-1 RA | Active |
| Tirzepatide | Eli Lilly | 2 | GLP-1/GIP | Planning |
| Dapagliflozin | AstraZeneca | 2 | SGLT2 | Active |
| T3D-959 | T3D Therapeutics | 2 | PPAR agonist | Active |
| ND-301 | Athira Pharma | 1/2 | SGLT2 | Active |
The AD metabolic therapy market is evolving rapidly: