Anti-Aβ Therapeutics in Alzheimer's Disease: The Need for a Paradigm Shift

Most current Alzheimer's disease (AD) therapies in advanced phases of development target amyloid beta-peptide (A beta) production, aggregation, or accumulation. Translational models suggest that anti-A beta therapies may be highly effective if tested as agents to prevent or delay development of the disease or as therapies for asymptomatic patients with very early signs of AD pathology. However, anti-A beta therapeutics are currently being tested in symptomatic patients where they are likely to be much less effective or ineffective. The lack of alignment between human clinical studies and preclinical studies, together with predictions about optimal trial design based on our understanding of the initiating role of A beta aggregates in AD, has created a treatment versus prevention dilemma. In this perspective, we discuss why it is imperative to resolve this dilemma and suggest ways for moving forward in the hopes of enhancing the development of truly effective AD therapeutics.