Introducing
AT-001
We are pioneering a path to prevent rare and common forms of dementia.
AT-001 is an oral treatment being designed to address rare and common forms of dementia by preventing and dissolving amyloid plaques and tau tangles. This is achieved by destabilizing the inter/intra-molecular interactions that form and maintain these detrimental aggregates. We have initiated a registration trial to treat hereditary cystatin C amyloid angiopathy (HCCAA) – an ultra-rare form of familial dementia. HCCAA is a sub-type of cerebral amyloid angiopathy (CAA) – a cluster of hereditary forms of familial dementia, accounting for about 5% of all dementia in the world. Our research signals that AT-001 could offer a novel disease-modifying approach, not only for HCCAA, but potentially for other forms of CAAs and protein aggregation disorders, where toxic oligomers are central to disease progression – such as Alzheimer’s disease.
Hope in an
unexpected place
Katrín Björk Guðjónsdóttir experienced multiple strokes by the age of 21 due to a rare familial genetic condition. Read her story and find out how her personal triumph became the catalyst for the development of AT-001.
Changing the dementia treatment paradigm
Dementia and Alzheimer’s disease present urgent health challenges worldwide. With an aging population, the
incidence of these conditions is rising dramatically, placing a significant burden on healthcare systems and families.
The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that over 55 million people have dementia globally, with nearly 10 million new cases diagnosed every year. In 2030,
dementia-related costs are expected to reach $2.8 trillion. The Alzheimer’s Association estimates that the total cost of care for individuals with Alzheimer’s and other
dementias in the United States will be $345 billion in 2023.
Dementia and Alzheimer’s disease present significant
challenges for individuals and their families.
These conditions are progressive and degenerative, leading to a decline in cognitive and functional
abilities over time. Some of the challenges faced by people with dementia and Alzheimer’s include:
Memory loss
One of the hallmark symptoms of dementia and Alzheimer’s is memory loss. Individuals may struggle to remember recent events or to retain new information, making it difficult to learn and engage in activities of daily living.
Communication
difficulties
As the disease progresses, individuals may have difficulty communicating effectively, leading to frustration and isolation. They may struggle to find the right words, or to understand what others are saying, leading to misunderstandings and social withdrawal.
Behavioral
changes
As the disease progresses, individuals may experience changes in mood and behavior, including agitation, aggression, and depression. These changes can be distressing for both the individual and their caregivers.
Caregiver burden
Caring for someone with dementia or Alzheimer’s can be challenging and demanding, both emotionally and physically. Caregivers may experience stress, burnout, and financial strain, and may struggle to balance their caregiving responsibilities with other obligations.
Social isolation
People with dementia and Alzheimer’s may experience social isolation and a loss of independence as their condition progresses. They may be unable to participate in activities they once enjoyed, and may struggle to maintain social connections.
Increased
healthcare costs
Dementia and Alzheimer’s disease are associated with increased healthcare costs, including hospitalizations, long-term care, and medication expenses. These costs can be a significant burden for individuals and families, as well as healthcare systems.