Could a common drug slow Alzheimer's? new study tests rapamycin
NCT ID NCT04629495
First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026
Summary
This study tests whether the drug rapamycin is safe and tolerable for older adults with mild memory problems or early Alzheimer's disease. About 40 participants will take rapamycin for 12 months while researchers monitor side effects and changes in memory and thinking. The goal is to see if this drug, already used for other conditions, might help control the disease.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
Study facts
What this study's own registry entry says, in plain language.
- Phase
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Phase 2
Tests whether the treatment actually works, and watches for side effects, in a larger group.
- Participants
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40 people
The number who actually took part.
- Started
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Aug 2021
- Expected to finish
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Mar 2027
An estimate. End dates often move.
- Lead sponsor
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Other sponsor
The registry's catch-all category, for sponsors it does not file as a company, a government agency, or a research network.
Who can take part
This study's own entry requirements. Only the study team can say for certain whether you qualify.
- Ages
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55 to 89 years
- Sex
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Anyone
- Healthy volunteers
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Not accepted
This study is not open to healthy volunteers. The entry requirements below say who it is open to.
Show the full entry requirements Hide the full entry requirements
Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.
Inclusion Criteria: 1. Both genders and all ethnic groups 2. Ages 55 to 89 years 3. Diagnosis of MCI or AD (Mini Mental Status Examination (MMSE): 18-30; Clinical Dementia Rating Scale (CDR) = 0.5 - 1; California Verbal Learning Test III (CVLT-III) Delayed Recall ≤16% based on age-adjusted norms, clinician approval) 4. Amyloid positivity based on Amyloid PET Imaging 5. Labs: Normal blood cell counts without clinically significant excursions; normal liver and renal function; and glucose control (HbA1c \< 6.5%). Fasting lipid panel and prothrombin time/prothrombin time test/international normalized ration (PT/PTT/INR) within normal limits 6. A legally authorized representative (LAR) designated to sign informed consent (if necessary) must attend the Screening visit and accompany the participant to all remaining visits to provide reported outcomes 7. Stable dose of AD medications (Donepezil, rivastigmine, Memantine, galantamine) for at least three months is allowed Exclusion Criteria: 1. Diabetes (HBA1c≥6.5% or antidiabetic medications) 2. History of skin ulcers or poor wound healing 3. Current tobacco or illicit drug use or alcohol abuse 4. Use of anti-platelet or anti-coagulant medications other than aspirin 5. Current medications that affect cytochrome 450 3A4 (CYP3A4) 6. Immunosuppressant therapy within the last year 7. Chemotherapy or radiation treatment within the last year 8. Current or chronic history of liver or kidney disease or known hepatic or biliary abnormalities 9. Untreated hypertriglyceridemia (fasting triglycerides \< 250 mg/dl) 10. Current or chronic history of pulmonary disease or abnormal pulse oximetry (\<90%) 11. Chronic heart failure 12. Pregnancy or lactation 13. Recent history (past six months) of myocardial infarction, active coronary artery disease, intestinal disorders, stroke, or transient ischemic attack 14. Significant neurological conditions other than AD or MCI 15. Poorly controlled blood pressure (systolic BP\>160, diastolic BP\>90 mmHg - based on two readings) 16. Active inflammatory, COVID-19, autoimmune, infectious, hepatic, gastrointestinal, malignant, and/or severe mental illness 17. History of, or MRI, or CT positive for, any space occupying lesion, including mass effect or abnormal intracranial pressure, which would indicate contraindications to lumbar puncture 18. Organ transplant recipients
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
Locations
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Glenn Biggs Institute for Alzheimer's & Neurodegenerative Diseases
San Antonio, Texas, 78229, United States
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Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.
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