Advancing Alzheimer's Disease Therapies

By Marek Bieniek, M.D., Senior Director, Medical Strategy, CNS Center of Excellence, IQVIA, and Gijsbert Veerman, Chief Operating Officer, IQVIA Biotech

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) remains one of the most urgent healthcare challenges, projected to affect over 139 million people worldwide by 2050. Despite advances in disease-modifying therapies, late-stage trial failure rates are persistently high, underscoring the need for new approaches. Innovations in plasma biomarkers such as p-tau217 and neurofilament light chain (NfL) are enabling earlier detection and less invasive monitoring, reducing reliance on costly and burdensome PET or CSF testing. At the same time, patient-centric strategies are essential to overcome barriers to participation, particularly for elderly and underrepresented populations disproportionately impacted by AD. 

Sponsors advancing disease-modifying therapies (DMTs) must integrate biomarker-driven protocols, adaptive study designs, and inclusive recruitment strategies, supported by experienced clinical partners who can ensure operational excellence and regulatory alignment. By uniting scientific innovation with patient-focused execution, the next generation of AD therapies has the potential to deliver transformative impact for individuals, families, and global health.