Alzheimer’s for Amateurs

Trial Watch

Something shows promise, a trial starts, and life goes on. This is where the answer doesn’t slip by: what each trial tests, when the result is due, and what it would mean if it works.

10days to the next answer

Next answer · 16 November 2026

AR1001 (POLARIS-AD)

First results, at the CTAD meeting in Boston. Whether a daily pill from the same family as erectile-dysfunction drugs slows early Alzheimer’s. 1,535 people in 13 countries, one year, against a placebo.

If it works: A daily pill instead of the infusions or injections today’s drugs need. It’s Phase 3, so a clear win could lead to an approval request.

Trial alerts, for paid subscribers. When AR1001 reports, paid subscribers get a note from Substack that week. Free subscribers read it in the next edition.

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The next six months

LateHOPE
Nov 2026AR1001
Dec 2026LiO-AD
Jan 2027Cobenfy for Alzheimer’s psychosis
Feb 2027
Mar 2027
Apr 2027

Coming up

Soonest first
  1. Nov 162026

    Results dueAriBio · Pill · Phase 3

    AR1001 (POLARIS-AD)

    Whether a daily pill from the same family as erectile-dysfunction drugs slows early Alzheimer’s. 1,535 people in 13 countries, one year, against a placebo.

    If it works: A daily pill instead of the infusions or injections today’s drugs need. It’s Phase 3, so a clear win could lead to an approval request.

    1,535 peopleEarly Alzheimer’sFirst results, at the CTAD meeting in BostonGet paid alert ↓

  2. Jan2027 · expected

    RunningBristol Myers Squibb · Pill · Phase 3

    Cobenfy for Alzheimer’s psychosis (ADEPT)

    Whether Cobenfy, a schizophrenia drug, eases hallucinations and delusions in people with Alzheimer’s.

    If it works: A new option for hallucinations and delusions, which are common later on and hard to treat safely.

    About 900 people in two trialsHallucinations and delusions in Alzheimer’sFirst main results, spread across 2027Get paid alert ↓

Overdue

Due, and not yet public
  1. Aug2026 · expected

    OverdueCognito Therapeutics · Device · Pivotal device study

    HOPE (Spectris)

    Whether an hour a day of flickering light and sound from a headset slows Alzheimer’s. 673 people at 70 US sites.

    If it works: A drug-free headset used at home, if the results hold up.

    673 peopleMild to moderate Alzheimer’sMain results, overdue with no new dateGet paid alert ↓

Finished, results not yet public

Waiting on the sponsor
  1. WaitingNo date announced

    Awaiting resultsEli Lilly · Antibody · Phase 3

    Remternetug (TRAILRUNNER-ALZ 1)

    Whether a newer amyloid antibody, given by drip or as an injection under the skin, clears amyloid from the brain.

    If it works: Amyloid treatment as a shot under the skin, which some people in the trial gave themselves, instead of clinic infusions.

    1,667 peopleEarly Alzheimer’sMain resultsGet paid alert ↓

Starting

Registered or running, not yet reporting
  1. 9 wksPlanned length

    RegisteredJohns Hopkins · Supplement · Phase 1/2

    LiO-AD (lithium orotate)

    Whether lithium orotate reaches the fluid around the brain, and whether people with Alzheimer’s can take it for nine weeks. 40 people, against a placebo. It isn’t built to show a memory benefit.

    If it works: It would show that the over-the-counter form reaches the brain and that people tolerate it. A bigger trial would have to come next to test memory.

    40 peopleAlzheimer’sRecruitment opensOur reviewGet paid alert ↓

Reported

Results and decisions that are in
  1. ✓Reported

    Results outEli Lilly · Antibody · Phase 3

    Donanemab gentler start (TRAILBLAZER-ALZ 6)

    Whether starting Kisunla (donanemab) at a slower dose cuts the risk of brain swelling.

    What it means: A safer way to start Kisunla, with less risk of brain swelling.

    1,175 peopleEarly Alzheimer’sSlower start lowered the swelling risk

  2. ✓Approved

    ApprovedEisai and Biogen · Antibody · Approved

    Leqembi at-home starting dose (IQLIK)

    Starting Leqembi with an injection under the skin instead of an IV drip at a clinic.

    What it means: Starting Leqembi takes fewer trips to a clinic.

    Early Alzheimer’sUptake and any label changes

For paid subscribers

Get a note when something changes

When a result lands, a date slips or a trial opens, paid subscribers hear about it the same week. Free subscribers get the news in the next edition.

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