The Q-ATN Model of Alzheimer’s Disease: A Work in Progress
Norman A. Mazer, M.D., Ph.D., Founder and Disease Modeling Consultant, NAM
Consulting, Basel, Switzerland
Wednesday, December 13, 2023, 12:00-1:00 PM EST
Register at https://rosaandco.com/webinars
Abstract:
The Q-ATN model is a quantitative, semi-mechanistic model of Alzheimer’s
Disease (AD) based on the amyloid (A)/tau (T)/neurodegeneration (N) framework
proposed by Clifford Jack Jr. and colleagues [1, 2]. It describes both the
natural history of AD as well as the effect of anti-amyloid therapy on A/T/N
biomarkers and the clinical outcome measure, CDR-SB. A full description of the
Q-ATN model was published one year ago [3] and an update, based on the phase 3
results reported for gantenerumab [4] and lecanemab [5] was presented at the
AAIC 2023 meeting [6].
The objectives of this presentation will be to:
Describe the 4 sequential linkages between the A/T/N biomarkers and CDR-SB
that are hypothesized in the Q-ATN model and the data that informed them.
Explain how treatment with anti-amyloid antibodies can “bend” the
trajectory of AD relative to natural history or placebo groups.
Compare Q-ATN simulations with the available phase 3 trial data on
anti-amyloid antibodies including the recent results on Donanemab [7].
Discuss the current strengths and weaknesses of the Q-ATN model and the
potential for further development.
References:
Jack CR Jr, et al. A/T/N: an unbiased descriptive classification scheme for
Alzheimer disease biomarkers. Neurology. 2016; 87: 539-547.
Jack CR Jr, et al. NIA-AA Research Framework: toward a biological definition of
Alzheimer's disease. Alzheimer’s & Dementia. 2018; 14: 535-562.
Mazer NA, et al. Development of a quantitative semi‐mechanistic model of
Alzheimer's disease based on the amyloid/tau/neurodegeneration framework (the
Q‐ATN model). Alzheimer’s & Dementia. 2023 Jun;19(6):2287-97. (First published
10 December 2022; https://doi.org/10.1002/alz.12877)
Bateman RJ, et al. GRADUATE I and II: Topline Results of Two Global, Phase III,
Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Studies Assessing the Efficacy and Safety of
Subcutaneous Gantenerumab in Early Alzheimer’s Disease. Presented at CTAD 2022,
San Francisco, CA, USA.
Bateman RJ, et al. Imaging, Plasma, and CSF Biomarkers Assessments from Clarity
AD. Presented at CTAD 2022, San Francisco, CA, USA.
Boess F. et al. Re-estimation of drug-specific amyloid removal parameters and
the rate constant for pathogenic tau turnover brings the Q-ATN model into
better alignment with recent phase 3 data from gantenerumab and lecanemab.
Presented at AAIC 2023, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
Sims JR, et al. Donanemab in early symptomatic Alzheimer disease: the
TRAILBLAZER-ALZ 2 randomized clinical trial. JAMA. 2023 Aug 8;330(6):512-27.