Possible role for Gammagard in AD

The University of Tennessee Health Science Center and US health care firm Baxter International reported data from a laboratory study demonstrating natural antibodies contained in Gammagard Liquid (immune globulin intravenous [human]), a plasma-derived antibody replacement therapy marketed as Kiovig in the European Union and indicated for primary immunodeficiency disorders, binds to multiple aggregated, or clustered, forms of the beta-amyloid peptide molecule, which may contribute to the plaques thought to be the main cause of Alzheimer's disease.

According to data presented at the American Academy of Neurology annual meeting, held in Chicago, Gammagard contains naturally-occurring antibodies that directly bind to different forms of beta-amyloid protein, including oligomers and fibrils. "Observations from this study provide insight into how Gammagard Liquid may be of potential clinical benefit for Alzheimer's patients," said Dave Morgan, director of Neuroscience Research, University of South Florida. He added that it justifies additional studies to evaluate whether the product can effectively reverse the effects of the neurodegenerative condition which strikes an estimated 5.2 million Americans, including one out of eight people aged 65 and older. No cure currently exists that can halt or delay the brain deterioration associated with AD.