Israeli Researchers Report Promising Early Human Trial for Alzheimer’s Immune-Based Therapy
An innovative experimental treatment for Alzheimer’s disease developed in Israel has shown promising initial results in a first human trial involving 40 patients in early stages of the disease. Published in Nature Medicine, the findings focus on biological markers linked to neural damage rather than direct memory improvement, which has yet to be tested. These encouraging results pave the way for larger clinical trials.
The approach, led by Professor Michal Schwartz from the Weizmann Institute of Science, reverses conventional Alzheimer’s treatments by harnessing the immune system to help the brain combat the disease, rather than targeting amyloid protein deposits directly. Schwartz, a recipient of the Israel Prize in Life Sciences and founder of the biotech company ImmunoBrain, licensed her lab’s discoveries to develop this therapy.
Alzheimer’s disease develops over many years before cognitive symptoms appear, with amyloid plaques being a hallmark but not fully explaining disease progression. Schwartz’s research challenged the long-held belief that the brain is isolated from the immune system, demonstrating that immune support is essential for brain function and repair. Since aging weakens immune function, the therapy aims to temporarily reduce immune system "brakes" to restore its ability to assist the brain.
The treatment uses an antibody called IBC-Ab002 to modulate PD-L1, a protein that inhibits immune activity. In mouse models, this approach reduced brain inflammation, cleared senescent cells, and improved memory. The human trial, conducted across 11 centers in the UK, Israel, and the Netherlands, tested five dosage groups with 30 patients receiving the antibody and 10 receiving placebo. The antibody was safe and well tolerated, with the highest dose showing the most significant biological activity.
Researchers observed beneficial effects on cerebrospinal fluid markers related to nerve cell damage and synapse loss, consistent with preclinical models. However, the small trial was not designed to assess cognitive benefits or disease progression. The next step involves larger, longer trials to determine if the immune modulation can slow Alzheimer’s progression and preserve memory and function. Schwartz hopes future use could extend to preventive treatment before symptoms emerge, potentially transforming Alzheimer’s care amid rising global prevalence due to aging populations.
The study also involved researchers from Tel Aviv University and the Sourasky Medical Center. Schwartz holds an emeritus professorship at Weizmann and is affiliated with Tel Aviv University.
