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Updated: Jan 7, 2026

Drug Repurposing Hypothesis Generation Using the "RE:fine Drugs" System
Published on: December 11, 2016
Drug Development
Apostolos Manolopoulos1, Konstantinos Avgerinos2, Qinghua Chen1
1National Institute on Aging, Baltimore, MD, USA.
Ketone Ester (KE) supplementation increased brain ketone levels and reduced brain glutamate in individuals with metabolic syndrome. This suggests potential neuroprotection and cognitive benefits for Alzheimer
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Metabolic Disorders
- Alzheimer's Disease Research
Background:
- Ketone bodies offer alternative energy and signaling for brain health, potentially benefiting Alzheimer's disease (AD).
- Exogenous Ketone Ester (KE) administration shows promise in animal models for enhancing cognition and reducing AD pathology.
- Metabolic syndrome increases AD risk, making this population relevant for preventative strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide proof-of-concept for Ketone Ester (KE) target engagement in humans.
- To assess the pro-cognitive effects of KE in individuals at higher risk for AD.
- To investigate KE's impact on brain metabolism and cognitive function.
Main Methods:
- A double-blind, randomized controlled trial involving 50 participants with metabolic syndrome.
- Participants received either 25g oral KE or placebo thrice daily for four weeks.
- Primary outcome: brain β-hydroxybutyrate (βHB) concentration via Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy (MRS); Secondary outcomes: cognitive performance (PACC, NIH Toolbox).
Main Results:
- KE significantly increased brain βHB levels, confirming target engagement and brain penetrance.
- KE administration reduced brain glutamate levels, indicating decreased excitotoxicity.
- Trends favored KE for memory improvements, with some cognitive gains observed only in the KE group.
Conclusions:
- Oral KE supplementation effectively induced brain ketosis and engaged the target.
- Reduced brain glutamate suggests KE may offer neuroprotection by modulating neuronal hyperexcitability.
- KE demonstrates potential for AD prevention through metabolic and cognitive improvements.
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