An Alzheimer’s drug in development restores brain function and memory in mice, new research reveals.
Various studies have linked Alzheimer’s to the accumulation of specific proteins in the brain.
These protein clusters may create pores in nerve cells that allow particles, known as ions, to travel in and out uncontrollably, triggering cell death and dementia symptoms.
The new drug, known as anle138b, attaches to the protein clusters and closes up pores in nerve cells.
Study author Christian Griesinger from the Max Planck Institute in Munich, said: ‘The drug is able to reach the brain when taken orally. Therefore, it is easy to administer, and we are currently performing toxicology studies to eventually be able to apply anle138b to humans.’
Alzheimer’s disease affects around 5.5 million in the US and 850,000 people in the UK.
An Alzheimer’s drug in development restores brain function and memory in mice (stock)
How the research was carried out
The researchers from administered anle138b to mice at-risk of developing Alzheimer’s-like conditions.
The animals’ symptoms included abnormal brain function, reduced memory and high levels of proteins in the brain associated with Alzheimer’s.
Restores brain function and memory
Results reveal the drug restores brain function and memory in mice.
Mr Griesinger said: ‘The drug is able to reach the brain when taken orally. Therefore, it is easy to administer, and we are currently performing toxicology studies to eventually be able to apply anle138b to humans.’
Although the results are encouraging, the researchers add the drug’s effectiveness is unclear until it is tested in humans.
Study author André Fischer from the University Medical Center Göttingen, added: ‘I would like to emphasize that none of the current animal models fully recapitulate the symptoms seen in Alzheimer’s patients.
‘Thus, care has to be taken when interpreting such data. However, our study offers evidence that anle138b has potential for neuroprotection.’
The researchers plan to use magnetic particles to better guide the drug to the areas of the brain where it needs to be released both in Alzheimer’s and other conditions related to ion transport through nerve cells, such as tuberculosis and certain cancers.
The findings were published in the journal EMBO Molecular Medicine.