Tadalafil may shift neurodegeneration biomarkers in type 2 diabetes
Key takeaway:
In 15 adults with type 2 diabetes, 6 weeks of tadalafil lowered selected plasma amyloid and GFAP biomarkers, but most other neurodegeneration markers did not change.
Study at a glance
What was studied
Tadalafil effects on blood-based neurodegeneration biomarkers in type 2 diabetes.
Study type
Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs)
duration
Short-Term (≤3 mo)
Intervention
Tadalafil
Outcomes
Amyloid beta 40, Amyloid beta 42, Glial fibrillary acidic protein, HbA1c, Amyloid beta 42-to-40 ratio, Phospho-tau217, Neurofilament light protein, Growth differentiation factor 15, Fasting glucose
Funding
Industry sponsored
Main effects
↓ Plasma amyloid-β 40 and amyloid-β 42 compared with placebo
↓ Plasma GFAP compared with placebo
→ No clear effect on amyloid-β 42/40 ratio, pTau217, NfL, or GDF-15
Evidence Summary
| Intervention | Outcome | Measured Change | Study Effect |
|---|---|---|---|
 Tadalafil (Medications) |  Amyloid-β 40 (Clinical Outcomes) | Decrease | Mixed |
Tadalafil (Medications) | Amyloid-β 42 (Clinical Outcomes) | Decrease | Mixed |
Tadalafil (Medications) | Amyloid-β 42/40 ratio (Clinical Outcomes) | Uncertain | Limited |
Tadalafil (Medications) |  Fasting plasma glucose (Glycemic Control) | Uncertain | Limited |
Tadalafil (Medications) | Glial fibrillary acidic protein (Clinical Outcomes) | Decrease | Mixed |
Tadalafil (Medications) |  Growth differentiation factor 15 (Metabolic Health) | Uncertain | Limited |
Tadalafil (Medications) | HbA1c (Glycemic Control) | Decrease | Limited |
Tadalafil (Medications) | Neurofilament light protein (Clinical Outcomes) | Uncertain | Limited |
Tadalafil (Medications) | Phosphorylated tau217 (Clinical Outcomes) | Uncertain | Limited |
Unlock Full Evidence Analysis
Create a free account to access effectiveness ratings, evidence strength and depth scores, consistency analysis, and direct links to all supporting studies.
Evidence Suggest
- The study was a double-blind randomized placebo-controlled crossover phase 2 trial analysis in 15 per-protocol participants.
- Tadalafil 20 mg once daily was compared with placebo over 6-week treatment periods.
- Results were based on blood biomarkers rather than cognitive or hard clinical outcomes.
Who this applies to
Adults with type 2 diabetes similar to the trial population.
Keep in Mind
This was a small post-hoc analysis, so results should be viewed as exploratory.
Between the Lines
- Very small per-protocol sample size of 15 participants.
- Post-hoc biomarker analysis, not powered for these outcomes.
- No cognitive performance measurements before and after treatment.
- Some pTau217 measurements were below quantification limits.
Unlock Full Analysis
Create a free account to unlock the bias score, detailed effectiveness analysis, and clinical outcomes for this study.
Journal Reference
Fryk E, Rodrigues Silva VR, Strindberg L, et al. Effect of 6-week tadalafil treatment on blood-based biomarkers of neurodegeneration: A post-hoc analysis of a randomized controlled trial. J Alzheimers Dis. 2026;110(3):1072-1078. doi:10.1177/13872877261421227
No ads. No tracking.
Focused on evidence, not advertising.
Secure & private
Your data is always protected.
Always up to date
New studies added every day.