Results of Phase Two Clinical Trials Show Promise for Gold Nanocrystal Therapy in Neurodegenerative Diseases

The groundbreaking results from phase two clinical trials at UT Southwestern Medical Center have shown promising outcomes for patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) and Parkinson’s disease (PD). A suspension of gold nanocrystals, known as CNM-Au8, has been found to significantly reverse deficits of metabolites linked to brain energy activity and improve overall function in patients with these neurodegenerative conditions.

Led by Peter Sguigna, M.D., Assistant Professor of Neurology at UT Southwestern, the active multiple sclerosis clinical trial has shown a 10.4% increase in the NAD+/NADH ratio in patients who took CNM-Au8 daily for 12 weeks. This indicates that the nanocrystals are effectively targeting the brain and positively altering the energy balance of brain cells.

The study, published in the Journal of Nanobiotechnology, also revealed that patients with Parkinson’s disease reported improved “motor experiences of daily living” after taking CNM-Au8, suggesting potential benefits for functional symptoms of the disease. Importantly, none of the patients experienced severe adverse side effects linked to the treatment.

While these results are promising, Dr. Sguigna emphasized the need for further studies to confirm these findings and explore the potential of CNM-Au8 in treating other neurodegenerative diseases. The ongoing REPAIR-MS trial will continue to enroll participants to assess the effectiveness of the treatment in progressive MS.

This groundbreaking research, funded by Clene Nanomedicine, highlights the potential of gold nanocrystals as a novel therapeutic agent for neurodegenerative conditions. The collaboration between UT Southwestern and Clene Nanomedicine represents a significant step forward in the development of innovative treatments for patients with MS, PD, and other neurological disorders.