Arrowhead’s RNA drug cuts Alzheimer’s tau protein in early human study

Arrowhead Pharmaceuticals reported early-stage data showing its subcutaneous RNA therapeutic can reach the brain and lower tau protein, a hallmark of Alzheimer’s disease.

In a first-in-human trial participants received the injection and subsequent measurements indicated a reduction in tau levels compared with baseline, suggesting the drug’s mechanism of silencing the tau gene is active.

The company said the results justify advancing to larger studies to evaluate safety and clinical benefit, while acknowledging that further testing is required.