MK-4605

MK-4605 is an investigational monoclonal antibody developed by Merck & Co. (MSD) for the treatment of dementia, specifically Alzheimer's disease. It acts as an agonist of the Triggering Receptor Expressed on Myeloid cells 2 (TREM2), a cell surface receptor primarily expressed on microglia in the central nervous system. TREM2 plays a critical role in sensing lipid ligands associated with neurodegeneration, promoting microglial survival, and facilitating the phagocytosis of amyloid-beta plaques and other debris. By activating TREM2, MK-4605 aims to enhance the protective functions of microglia and modulate neuroinflammation to slow the progression of neurodegenerative pathology. The drug is currently in Phase 1 clinical development, with studies evaluating its safety and tolerability in healthy participants.