AAN 2025 Late-Breaking Science: What’s Transforming the Field?

May 11, 2025 - 19:42

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AAN 2025 Late-Breaking Science: What’s Transforming the Field?

The American Academy of Neurology (AAN) 2025 Annual Meeting is spotlighting an exciting lineup of late-breaking studies, offering new hope for millions affected by neurological conditions. This year’s meeting is a game-changer, unveiling significant clinical progress in the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease, trigeminal neuralgia, and pediatric neurological disorders.

AXS-05: Redefining Alzheimer’s Agitation Management

Among the most notable developments, late-breaking science is AXS-05, an investigational therapy from Axsome Therapeutics. AXS-05 has shown an ability to prevent relapse in agitation episodes in Alzheimer’s patients—without worsening cognitive symptoms. The drug’s ability to preserve mental function while offering symptomatic relief could shift the treatment landscape, where current options often carry sedative effects or cognitive side effects. As agitation continues to be a major challenge in Alzheimer’s care, this innovation brings renewed optimism to clinicians and caregivers.

New Hope for Acute Trigeminal Neuralgia with IV Fosphenytoin

In another important clinical update, researchers revealed that IV Fosphenytoin could serve as the first effective non-surgical option for acute trigeminal neuralgia. This condition is known for causing sudden, severe facial pain and often requires surgery due to the lack of effective pharmacologic therapies. The identification of IV Fosphenytoin as a viable, fast-acting treatment is a breakthrough that could drastically improve quality of life for patients who previously had few options beyond invasive interventions.

Pediatric cALD Sees Breakthrough with Leriglitazone

A major advancement in pediatric neurology involves pediatric cerebral adrenoleukodystrophy (cALD). The NEXUS program has highlighted the potential of leriglitazone, which has made significant headway in clinical trials. Leriglitazone is being hailed for its potential to slow disease progression in this rare, life-threatening disorder. As regulatory bodies begin reviewing this promising therapy, families affected by cALD may soon have access to a new lifeline in managing this devastating disease.

Breakthroughs Across Neurology in 2025

The latest neurology research 2025 goes beyond Alzheimer’s and pediatric disorders. New developments are also underway in multiple sclerosis (MS), Parkinson’s disease, and ALS. Emerging therapies like tavapadon, UB312 for Parkinson’s, and BIIB080 for Alzheimer’s are leading the way in targeting underlying disease mechanisms. Meanwhile, MS remyelination strategies are drawing interest for their potential to reverse damage rather than just slowing it.

Additionally, gene therapies and RNA-based treatments are becoming more prominent. The FSHD pipeline (Facioscapulohumeral Muscular Dystrophy) continues to evolve with programs focused on disease-modifying outcomes. Telitacicept is also gaining attention for its potential use in a variety of neuroimmune diseases.

Looking Forward

This year’s American Academy of Neurology (AAN) 2025 meeting reinforces its reputation as a leading hub for neurology innovation. With progress across Alzheimer’s, pain management, rare pediatric conditions, and neurodegenerative diseases, the future of neurology looks brighter than ever. These findings not only represent progress in scientific research but also bring meaningful hope to patients, caregivers, and healthcare professionals.