Recent Developments in Treatment for Alzheimer's disease
Based on understanding in pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease, there are several medications in development, mainly in trying to stop the disease progress. Many of the developments are centralized on reducing amount of Aβ peptide, which is one of the key pathogenic molecules in causing the disease.
To decrease Aβ peptide formation
The first generation Aβ vaccine has been associated with the side-effect of aseptic meningoencephalitis. A newer, second generation vaccine, ACC-001, has a shorter Aβ sequence and hopefully better safety profile, now in Phase II clinical trial. Passive immunization by monoclonal anti-Aβ antibodies, such as bapineuzumab, are now on clinical trials. Polyclonal immunoglobulin, containing anti- amyloid antibodies, is in Phase III trial to assess its effectiveness. Another strategy is to use "RAGE-inhibitors" (RAGE stands for "Receptors for Advanced Glycated Endproducts") which can reduce accumulation of amyloid. An example of RAGE-inhibitors on clinical trial is PF-04494700.To prevent abnormal tau protein turning into tangles in neurons
A careful drug trial in studying the safety and efficacy of Methylene Blue, which can interfere with tau aggregation, is underway. Intranasal administration of a small peptide "NAP"(AL-108), which can prominently reduce tau phosphorylation, is now studied in human subjects.To protect neurons from further damage
Dimebon has effects through cholinesterase inhibition, NMDA receptor blocking, and stabilization of mitochondria. Preliminary studies showed that it may improve cognitive and behavioural aspects of mild to moderate AD patients. A Phase III study is currently in progress. Therefore, a number of medical treatment using different strategies are in development, aiming at providing better therapy for AD patients. Source reference:Rafii, M. S & Aisen, P. S. (2009). Recent Developments in Alzheimer's Disease Therapeutics. BioMed Central Medicine, 7, 7. Issue Contributor: Dr. Jonas H M Yeung, Member, Ginkgo Group
TAG: Issue June