Common Names: GV-971
Scientific Names: Ecklonia kurome
Sodium Oligomannate (GV-971), an oligosaccharide derived from marine algae, is a novel treatment for Alzheimer's disease (AD). Initially approved in China, its efficacy in improving cognitive function in mild to moderate AD cases is under scrutiny, with mixed responses globally. Research suggests it works by modulating the gut-brain axis, possibly impacting gut microbiota and neuroinflammation. Key studies have explored its pharmacokinetics, showing low oral bioavailability and limited blood-brain barrier penetration. Clinical trials are ongoing, including a notable phase II trial that didn't find significant cognitive improvements but observed safety and tolerability, leading to further phase III research. The compound's exact mechanism in AD treatment remains unclear, with hypotheses ranging from amyloid beta disaggregation to gut microbiota alteration.