Results from the ADVANCE-1 phase 2/3 trial suggest that a novel treatment may reduce agitation associated with Alzheimer’s disease (AD).
The treatment, known as AXS-05, is a dextromethorphan/bupropion oral tablet with multimodal effects on several neurotransmitter systems implicated in the cognitive and behavioral abnormalities associated with AD.
Agitation is reported in up to 70% of patients with AD. It is associated with accelerated cognitive decline, increased caregiver burden, early institutionalization, and increased mortality. Despite its negative impact, there is currently no approved treatment for AD agitation.