A new approach in early Alzheimer’s disease research, including Mild Cognitive Impairment and early dementia

The BenfoTeam clinical research trial is based on evidence from decades of research on the role of thiamine in Alzheimer’s disease (AD). BenfoTeam scientists have found that thiamine (vitamin B1) does not enter the brains of people with early Alzheimer’s disease despite having a sufficient supply of thiamine in their blood.

Fortunately, there is also evidence that this problem with thiamine in the brain may be overcome by boosting the amount of thiamine in the blood far above usual levels. Benfotiamine, a lab-made version of thiamine, is the drug being tested in the BenfoTeam trial.

BenfoTeam tests if increasing thiamine in the blood slows cognitive decline in people with early Alzheimer’s disease, including Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) and mild dementia.

An earlier trial of benfotiamine showed encouraging results.

Join BenfoTeam!
For any questions email:
 adcs-recruitment@health.ucsd.edu

About the BenfoTeam Trial Drug

Benfotiamine is a “prodrug” of thiamine and comes with an excellent safety profile. The study drug is taken by mouth as a capsule. A “prodrug” is an inactive compound that turns into an active form once it enters the body. Benfotiamine absorbs better than thiamine, raising thiamine in the blood.

Basic Eligibility Criteria

  • Aged 50-89

  • Experiencing mild memory concerns or previously diagnosed with MCI or mild AD

  • Positive AD blood test (performed in clinic during screening visit for evidence of AD biomarkers in the brain)

  • Stable on current FDA-approved acetylcholinesterase inhibitors (with or without memantine) for at least three months prior to screening

  • Living in the community (not in a long-term care nursing facility)

  • Willing to participate in the BenfoTeam study for up to 18 months (plus screening)

The BenfoTeam Trial: Enrollment Information

The BenfoTeam clinical trial is taking place in approximately 40+ clinical trial sites across the U.S. Participation in the trial will last for up to 18 months (plus screening). Participants visit the clinic up to 10 times after enrollment in the trial. Half of the study participants are given the study drug and half are given an inactive pill (called a placebo), taken twice daily.

You can determine whether you are a good fit for the BenfoTeam trial by calling the national BenfoTeam coordinating center at the University of California, San Diego at 877-807-1290 (toll free).

Join BenfoTeam!
For any questions email:
 adcs-recruitment@health.ucsd.edu
or
Call 877-807-1290

Health Monitoring

Potential participants go through a screening process to determine eligibility for the BenfoTeam clinical trial. The study screening process includes memory and thinking tests; a physical examination; brain imaging using MRI, and blood tests. 

Memory and thinking tests

Physical examination

MRI scans (a picture of your brain)

Blood tests

Find a BenfoTeam Clinic Location

Use the map below to find a currently enrolling site.

Clinical trial sites expected soon in San Diego, CA (x2!); Charleston, SC; Phoenix and Sun City, AZ; Portland, OR; Cleveland, OH; Chicago, IL (x2!); Atlanta, GA; Miami, FL; Austin, TX.

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The BenfoTeam Partnership

The BenfoTeam clinical research trial is funded by a grant from the National Institute on Aging (NIA) (R01AG076634). The clinical research trial is coordinated by the Alzheimer’s Disease Cooperative Study (ADCS) at University of California San Diego School of Medicine and is led by Principal Investigators from the Burke Neurological Institute (Weill Cornell Medicine), and Columbia University Irving Medical Center. The BenfoTeam clinical trial is evaluating whether benfotiamine can slow or halt the decline of memory and thinking problems in MCI and early AD.

Contact BenfoTeam

Alzheimer’s Disease Cooperative Study University of California, San Diego

Prescreen for BenfoTeam by phone:
Donna Tan, Prescreening Manager
877-807-1290 (toll-free)

Recruitment & Communications
adcs-recruitment@health.ucsd.edu