[Seoul National University Hospital] “Can dementia be tackled with a 15-second injection?” – Why the world is paying attention

New technologies to eliminate causes of dementia… K-Bio rises to the challenge

World’s Largest Alzheimer’s Conference
An oral drug for dementia by AriBio
Dong-A ST’s preclinical candidate “Effective in removing tau protein”
Self-injection treatments, blood diagnostics, and more
Global pharmaceutical companies unveil new technologies

A 15-second at-home injection of an antibody treatment for Alzheimer’s, and blood tests that diagnose Alzheimer’s with precision— These innovations were unveiled at the Alzheimer’s Association International Conference (AAIC 2025), held from July 27 to 31 in Toronto, Canada. As the world’s largest Alzheimer’s research event, AAIC 2025 introduced a range of strategies for overcoming intractable brain diseases. Korean companies also entered the fray to seize a share of the nearly 9 trillion won Alzheimer’s drug market.

▷ Korean medical expert gives keynote address
On July 30, Professor Inhee Mook of Seoul National University College of Medicine delivered a keynote speech at the AAIC 2025 main hall. She presented a new hypothesis that substances in the gut can reach the brain through the vagus nerve, a direct link between the two organs. Previous research mostly focused on the bloodstream as the connecting pathway, but failed to explain how substances crossed the blood-brain barrier (BBB). Professor Mook argued that “visceral sensory nerves directly connect the gut and brain, and may act as a new pathway for toxic substances in the gut to reach the brain.” Korean researchers thus introduced a new agenda to the global medical community.

More than 10,000 experts from over 100 countries participated in AAIC 2025. Korean pharmaceutical and biotech companies also showcased their capabilities. AriBio presented four research results on its Phase 3 clinical candidate ‘AR1001’ via posters. It demonstrated that standalone administration of AR1001 over 26 weeks improved cognitive function and reduced tau protein levels in Alzheimer’s patients. Fred Kim, head of AriBio’s U.S. operations, stated, “We confirmed high global academic interest in AR1001 ahead of our Phase 3 topline data release scheduled for early next year.”

Dong-A ST unveiled preclinical results of its tau aggregation inhibitor ‘DA-7503,’ which is currently in Phase 1 trials in Korea. Initial data will be released in Q4 this year. Companies like ABL Bio and Illimis Therapeutics also made presentations. On July 28, ABL Bio shared animal study results of its “Grabody-B” technology that effectively delivers drugs across the BBB. Illimis Therapeutics introduced research showing that its dual-target fusion protein can prevent beta-amyloid accumulation. Other companies like Amyloid Solution, VUNO, Neurophet, and PeopleBio unveiled new diagnostic technologies.

▷ Blood-based diagnostics, preventive vaccines
Global giants are also focused on transforming dementia treatment and diagnosis. On July 30, Biogen (U.S.) and Eisai (Japan) revealed results of switching their intravenous Alzheimer’s antibody drug “Leqembi” to a subcutaneous injection suitable for home use. The U.S. FDA is set to decide on its approval by August 31. Swiss pharmaceutical company Roche introduced “Elecsys pTau217,” a blood test alternative to PET-CT scans. Currently, it takes an average of 2.8 years for patients to receive a definitive Alzheimer’s diagnosis due to the complexity and cost of cognitive testing. Blood tests are expected to overcome these limitations.

British firm GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) presented findings that shingles vaccination may reduce the risk of dementia by 32% to 51%.