Beyond Leqembi
7 Promising Alzheimer's Treatments
Coming in 2026
Published: December 2025 | By Teri Youngdale
The landscape of Alzheimer's treatment is changing faster than ever before. Just a few years ago, families like mine had no real options beyond managing symptoms. Today, we have FDA-approved amyloid-clearing therapies like Leqembi and Kisunla. And the Clinical Trials on Alzheimer's Disease (CTAD) 2025 conference just gave us a glimpse of what's coming next.
As a caregiver and Leqembi study partner for my mom, I've learned to pay close attention to these conferences. The data presented at CTAD doesn't just inform researchers—it shapes the treatment decisions families will face in the coming years.
Here's what we learned about the Alzheimer's treatment pipeline for 2026 and beyond.
Understanding the Current Treatment Landscape
Before we dive into what's coming, let's acknowledge where we are now:
Approved Amyloid-Clearing Therapies:
Leqembi (lecanemab) - FDA approved January 2023, fully approved July 2023
Kisunla (donanemab) - FDA approved July 2024
Both treatments target amyloid plaques in the brain and have shown they can slow cognitive decline in early Alzheimer's disease. But they're not cures, and they come with risks like ARIA (amyloid-related imaging abnormalities).
The question everyone's asking: What's next?
What Makes 2026 Different
CTAD 2025 revealed something significant: we're moving beyond just amyloid.
For years, the Alzheimer's research community was laser-focused on amyloid plaques. And while that focus gave us Leqembi and Kisunla, it's clear we need a multi-pronged approach. The treatments in development for 2026 target:
✅ Tau tangles (the other protein associated with Alzheimer's)
✅ Inflammation (the brain's immune response)
✅ Synaptic function (connections between neurons)
✅ Neuroprotection (keeping neurons alive longer)
✅ Combination therapies (attacking multiple targets at once)
This diversification matters. It means more options for more patients—and potentially better outcomes.
7 Promising Treatments in Development for 2026
Based on data presented at CTAD 2025, here are the therapies generating the most excitement:
1. Remternetug (Eli Lilly) - Anti-Tau Antibody
What it targets: Tau tangles
Current status: Phase 3 trials
Expected timeline: Possible FDA submission late 2025/early 2026
Why it matters:
While amyloid plaques form first, tau tangles correlate more closely with cognitive decline. Remternetug targets the spread of tau pathology in the brain. CTAD 2025 data showed promising biomarker changes in Phase 2 trials, and Phase 3 results are eagerly anticipated.
What caregivers need to know:
If approved, this could be used in combination with amyloid-clearing therapies for a one-two punch approach.
2. ALZ-801 (Alzheon) - Oral Amyloid Blocker
What it targets: Amyloid oligomers (the toxic form before plaques form)
Current status: Phase 3 trials
Expected timeline: Mid-2026
Why it matters:
This is an oral medication (pill form), not an infusion. That's huge for accessibility. ALZ-801 focuses on preventing amyloid from clumping together in the first place, rather than clearing existing plaques.
What caregivers need to know:
If successful, this could offer a less burdensome treatment option than monthly infusions. CTAD data showed it was well-tolerated with minimal ARIA risk.
3. Masitinib (AB Science) - Anti-Inflammatory
What it targets: Neuroinflammation via mast cells
Current status: Phase 3 trials
Expected timeline: Possible approval 2026
Why it matters:
Masitinib takes a completely different approach—it targets the brain's inflammatory response. The theory: if you can reduce chronic inflammation, you can slow neurodegeneration.
What caregivers need to know:
CTAD 2025 showed modest but consistent cognitive benefits in patients with mild-to-moderate Alzheimer's. It's also oral, which is a major advantage.
4. Fosgonimeton (CoMentis) - Synaptic Function
What it targets: Restoring communication between neurons
Current status: Phase 2 trials
Expected timeline: 2026-2027
Why it matters:
Instead of just clearing proteins, fosgonimeton aims to restore brain function by improving synaptic health. Think of it as repairing the wiring, not just removing the debris.
What caregivers need to know:
Early data presented at CTAD showed improvements in cognitive tests and daily function. This could be a game-changer for patients who've already lost significant function.
5. Gantenerumab (Roche) - High-Dose Amyloid Therapy
What it targets: Amyloid plaques (like Leqembi/Kisunla)
Current status: Re-analysis of Phase 3 data
Expected timeline: Uncertain—possible 2026 decision
Why it matters:
Gantenerumab initially failed its Phase 3 trials, but Roche presented new analyses at CTAD 2025 showing that higher doses earlier in disease might work. They're exploring whether to pursue regulatory approval.
What caregivers need to know:
This highlights an important lesson: dosing and timing matter enormously in Alzheimer's treatment.
6. Semaglutide (Novo Nordisk) - Repurposed Diabetes Drug
What it targets: Metabolic pathways and inflammation
Current status: Phase 3 trials (EVOKE study)
Expected timeline: Results expected late 2025/early 2026
Why it matters:
Yes, this is Ozempic/Wegovy—the diabetes/weight loss drug. Emerging research suggests GLP-1 receptor agonists may have neuroprotective effects. CTAD 2025 included preliminary data suggesting cognitive benefits in at-risk populations.
What caregivers need to know:
If proven effective, this could be a relatively fast path to approval since the drug is already FDA-approved for other uses. It's also injectable but weekly, not monthly.
7. Combination Therapy Trials
What it targets: Multiple pathways simultaneously
Current status: Multiple Phase 2/3 trials
Expected timeline: 2026 and beyond
Why it matters:
Several studies presented at CTAD 2025 are testing combinations of treatments:
Amyloid-clearing + tau therapy
Amyloid-clearing + anti-inflammatory
Multiple mechanisms at once
Just like cancer treatment, Alzheimer's may require cocktails of medications.
What caregivers need to know:
If you're already on Leqembi or Kisunla, watch for trials combining it with other therapies.
What About Earlier Intervention?
One of the most exciting discussions at CTAD 2025 wasn't about a specific drug—it was about when to treat.
Researchers are increasingly focused on preclinical and prodromal Alzheimer's—treating people before they have significant symptoms. Several studies presented data on:
Treating patients with biomarker evidence but no symptoms
Preventive treatment for high-risk populations (APOE4 carriers, family history)
Earlier intervention in MCI (mild cognitive impairment)
What this means for families:
If you have a family history of Alzheimer's or genetic risk factors, biomarker testing and early intervention may become options in 2026.
The Reality Check: What Caregivers Need to Know
As excited as I am about this pipeline, I want to be honest about what these developments mean—and don't mean—for families today.
✅ The Good News:
More options are coming. We're not stuck with just two drugs anymore.
Different mechanisms mean more patients may benefit. Not everyone responds to amyloid-clearing therapies.
Oral medications are in development. Infusions are hard; pills would be easier.
Combination therapies may be more effective. Attacking Alzheimer's from multiple angles makes sense.
⚠️ The Cautions:
"In development" doesn't mean "approved." Many promising drugs fail in Phase 3.
Access will still be a challenge. Even approved drugs face insurance hurdles.
These are not cures. We're talking about slowing decline, not reversing it.
Early-stage disease remains the focus. Most of these treatments target mild-to-moderate Alzheimer's.
What Should Caregivers Do Right Now?
If you're caring for someone with Alzheimer's or worried about your own risk, here's my advice:
1. Stay Informed About Current Treatments
If your loved one has early-stage Alzheimer's and isn't on Leqembi or Kisunla, talk to their neurologist. These treatments are available now, and waiting means losing time.
2. Consider Clinical Trials
Many of the therapies discussed above are still recruiting patients. Visit ClinicalTrials.gov and search for Alzheimer's trials in your area.
3. Ask About Biomarker Testing
If you have a family history or genetic risk, ask your doctor about:
Amyloid PET scans
Tau PET scans
Blood-based biomarker tests (now available!)
APOE4 genetic testing
Early detection creates more treatment options.
4. Stay Connected to Research Centers
Academic medical centers and research hospitals often have access to clinical trials before community practices. If you're not already connected to one, consider getting a second opinion or consultation.
5. Join Advocacy Groups
Organizations like UsAgainstAlzheimer's, the Alzheimer's Association, and patient advocacy networks keep you updated on treatment developments and policy changes.
Why I'm Cautiously Optimistic
When my grandmother was diagnosed with Alzheimer's in the early 2000s, we had nothing. When my mom was diagnosed in 2019, we had hope but no approved treatments. Today, in 2025, we have Leqembi. And by 2026, we may have even more options.
Is it enough? No. Is it fast enough? No. But it's movement in the right direction.
The pipeline revealed at CTAD 2025 shows that the research community is learning, adapting, and diversifying their approach. We're moving from "maybe amyloid is the answer" to "Alzheimer's is complex and requires multiple strategies."
That's progress.
For families currently navigating this disease, every new treatment option matters. Every delay prevented matters. Every moment of clarity preserved matters.
The Bottom Line
2026 could bring:
New oral medications (easier than infusions)
Tau-targeting therapies (addressing a different protein)
Anti-inflammatory approaches (reducing brain damage)
Combination therapies (more effective treatment)
Earlier intervention strategies (catching it sooner)
But we're not there yet. Clinical trials still need to be completed. FDA approvals take time. Access and insurance coverage remain challenges.
What you can do right now: ✅ Maximize current treatment options (Leqembi/Kisunla if eligible)
✅ Consider clinical trial participation
✅ Get biomarker testing if at risk
✅ Stay informed about the pipeline
✅ Advocate for better access and coverage
The future of Alzheimer's treatment is brighter than it's ever been. But we still need to fight for every day, every treatment, every advancement.
Resources
ClinicalTrials.gov - Search for Alzheimer's trials near you
Alzheimer's Association TrialMatch - Get matched with clinical trials
UsAgainstAlzheimer's - Advocacy and treatment updates
CTAD Conference Archives - Full research presentations
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Teri Youngdale is an Alzheimer's caregiver, Leqembi study partner, and advocate for treatment access. Her mother is currently on Leqembi, and she shares evidence-based information to help other families navigate treatment decisions.
