Recruiting Begins for Clinical Trial of Therapy for Dementia With Lewy Bodies

Researchers are recruiting participants with dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB) for a phase 2 trial of an antagonist of the sigma 2 progesterone receptor (CT1812; Cognition Therapeutics, Purchase, NY) for treating the disease. 

The SHIMMER study (NCT05225415) is a double-blind trial designed to enroll 120 adults between ages 50 years and 80 years with DLB. Participants will be randomized to receive a placebo or 1 of 2 daily doses of the antagonist of the sigma 2 progesterone receptor for 6 months. 

The study will compare changes in cognitive performance, physical activity, and pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic biomarkers to baseline measurements.
 
"Patients with LBD can present initially with different symptoms, making it challenging for general practitioners or even neurologists to recognize,” said James E. Galvin, MD, MPH, director, Comprehensive Center for Brain Health, University of Miami. “In addition, the stigma that exists around mental health can lead patients to under-report neuropsychiatric symptoms, such as hallucinations, which are common in early stages of DLB.”