Recent phase two clinical trials have shown positive results for patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) and Parkinson’s disease, marking a significant advancement in medicine. Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center have discovered that daily consumption of gold nanocrystals can reverse energy deficits in the brain caused by these conditions. This breakthrough offers hope to individuals living with these debilitating neurodegenerative diseases.
ATP important for healthy brain
The molecule adenosine triphosphate (ATP) is crucial for maintaining healthy brain function, as it acts as the main energy carrier in cells. However, as we get older, the brain’s capacity to metabolize energy reduces. This decline is characterized by a reduction in the ratio of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+) and its reduced form, NADH. In neurodegenerative conditions such as MS, Parkinson’s disease, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, this decline occurs at a much faster rate and is more severe.
Dr. Peter Sguigna, leading an active multiple sclerosis (MS) trial at UT Southwestern’s Peter O’Donnell Jr. Brain Institute, expresses cautious optimism about the potential to prevent or reverse certain neurological disabilities through their strategy.
Trials examined CNM-Au8, an experimental treatment from Clene Nanomedicine, employing gold nanocrystals as catalysts to enhance brain cell energy balance via the NAD+/NADH ratio. Prior research on cellular and animal models showcased promising outcomes, indicating its potential for neurodegenerative disease treatment.
CNM-Au8 fund to be effective in humans
Two phase two clinical trials, REPAIR-MS and REPAIR-PD, were conducted to assess the effectiveness of CNM-Au8 in humans. Brain MR spectroscopy scans measured baseline NAD+/NADH ratios and other cell energy metabolism molecules. After a 12-week daily dose of CNM-Au8, a second MR spectroscopy showed an average increase in NAD+/NADH ratios by 10.4 percent among the 24 patients, indicating the treatment’s direct impact on the brain.
CNM-Au8 treatment has various benefits, specifically in relation to energy-related molecules such as ATP. Patients with Parkinson’s disease showed improved daily motor experiences, indicating the treatment’s potential to alleviate functional symptoms. Furthermore, no severe adverse side effects were reported from the gold nanocrystal treatment.
