A new phase III clinical trial is underway to investigate the use of the COGNIshunt™ device to slow the progression of Alzheimer's disease.

The COGNIshunt device, made by Eunoe, Inc., increases the flow of cerebrospinal fluid and improves the clearance of neurotoxins from the fluid that are believed to contribute to the progression of Alzheimer's disease.

"Recent clinical research suggests that impaired clearance of extracellular fluids in the brain and the resulting accumulation of neurotoxic proteins may play a significant role in the progression of Alzheimer's disease," said Dr. Wendt, a neurologist at Neurological Associates of Tucson and principal investigator.

"Current FDA-approved treatments improve symptoms but are not thought to delay the underlying progression of the disease. Eunoe's approach is a new way of treating and perhaps delaying the progression of Alzheimer's disease by clearing potentially neurotoxic substances in cerebrospinal fluid, which is naturally replaced continuously with fresh cerebrospinal fluid. We believe this approach may improve the health and survival of brain cells," Wendt said.

"Our first clinical trial showed stabilization of mental function in shunted patients," said Dr. Dawn McGuire, neurologist and Scientific Advisor at Eunoe, Inc. "Shunts have been used for years in adults and children to treat other conditions, such as hydrocephalus. We have developed a proprietary shunt that clears a limited amount of cerebrospinal fluid from the brain, enabling the clearance of neurotoxins. These shunt modifications are designed to significantly reduce the side effects caused by over drainage that are typical of the off-the-shelf shunts."

The study will enroll at least 256 patients at up to 25 sites across the United States. For more information, contact Eunoe at (888) 469-6463.

Other sources: Eunoe