GV-971

GV-971 is a drug that is currently being researched for its potential use in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease. It is a sodium oligomannate that is derived from seaweed. The drug is being developed by Green Valley Pharmaceutical Co., a company based in Shanghai, China.

Mechanism of Action

GV-971 is believed to work by altering the gut microbiota, which in turn affects the brain. It is thought to reduce neuroinflammation by suppressing the abnormal increase of amino acids in the brain, which is a common feature in patients with Alzheimer's disease.

Clinical Trials

In 2019, GV-971 was approved in China for the treatment of mild to moderate Alzheimer's disease after a phase 3 clinical trial showed that it improved cognition in patients. The trial involved 818 patients and lasted for 36 weeks. However, the drug is not yet approved in other countries, and further trials are needed to confirm its efficacy and safety.

Controversies

The approval of GV-971 in China has been controversial. Some experts have raised concerns about the quality of the data from the clinical trial, and the fact that the trial did not include a placebo group. There are also concerns about the drug's long-term safety and effectiveness.

Future Research

Green Valley Pharmaceutical Co. is planning to conduct further clinical trials of GV-971 in other countries, including the United States and Europe. These trials will be crucial in determining whether the drug is effective and safe for use in a wider population.