The Effect of Urolithin A (Mitopure®) on Alzheimer's Disease

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is one of the leading causes of dementia and, eventually, death in the elderly. Although AD has been known for generations, its causes have proven to be quite elusive, slowing the development of treatment options and limiting the progression of the disease through its various stages. Researchers have identified that the inability of the brain to clear amyloid-beta (Aβ) and tau filaments is a core hallmark of progressive disease in the AD brain. One potential cause of this inability to clear the filaments is a lack of available energy, and the main cause is likely the mitochondria's natural reduction in the production of NAD+, the primary energy source for cellular respiration. Recently, naturally derived chemicals have moved to the forefront of research as the search for causes and cures moves forward. Many naturally derived molecules are showing good promise in the support of the mitochondria, including urolithin A (UA), a natural post-biotic produced by the gut microbiome after consuming pomegranates, nuts, and other berries, which has been shown to support control of symptoms associated with AD in both animal models and human neural cells. This Phase II clinical trial seeks to evaluate the efficacy of UA in reducing levels of core AD biomarkers (including p-Tau217), biomarkers of non-specific processes involved in AD pathophysiology (such as neuroinflammation and oxidative stress), and biomarkers of autophagy/mitophagy function, and in slowing cognitive decline in patients with AD. This strategy lays the groundwork for the development of a novel dietary intervention strategy targeting mitochondria through nutritional supplementation. For this study, Mitopure®/urolithin A and its matching placebo have been supplied by Amazentis/Timeline.