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An experimental Alzheimer's drug shows some promise as researchers hunt new approaches
By Lauran Neergaard, Associated Press at KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate)
· July 14, 2026
· 5 min read
An experimental drug might help slow early Alzheimer’s disease in a markedly different way than today’s treatments — by lowering levels of a brain protein called tau, researchers reported Tuesday.Tau is one part of a toxic duo fueling Alzheimer’s but prior attempts to develop drugs that can targe...
Key takeaway “This is really quite promising if it were to hold up” in that next-step testing, said Jessica Langbaum of the Banner Alzheimer’s Institute in Phoenix, who wasn’t involved with Biogen’s study.
Why this matters in The San Antonio
The potential breakthrough of Biogen's diranersen in slowing early Alzheimer's disease has significant implications for San Antonio 's large and growing senior population. As the city's residents age, the prevalence of Alzheimer's is likely to increase, putting a strain on local healthcare systems and caregivers. A new approach to treating the disease, such as targeting tau protein, could bring hope to families affected by Alzheimer's in Bexar County. The fact that diranersen works differently than current treatments, which focus on clearing amyloid buildup, suggests that San Antonio's medical research community may have new opportunities to explore innovative therapies. With the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio and other local institutions involved in various medical research initiatives, the city may play a role in further testing and development of diranersen and other novel Alzheimer's treatments.
About this story
Original reporting by KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) . The San Antonio surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: July 14, 2026 ·
Source: KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) ·
Reading time: 5 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? An experimental drug might help slow early Alzheimer’s disease in a markedly different way than today’s treatments — by lowering levels of a brain protein called tau, researchers reported Tuesday.Tau is one part of a toxic duo fueling Alzheimer’s but prior attempts to develop drugs that can targe...
When was this published? This article was first published on July 14, 2026 by KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) and curated for The San Antonio readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Lauran Neergaard, Associated Press at KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate). To learn more about how The San Antonio selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from The San Antonio, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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