An innovative drug against Alzheimer’s prevents the accumulation of toxic proteins in the brain

In an exciting new development: a new drug has been developed to prevent the buildup of toxic proteins in the brain that lead to neurodegenerative problems that cause Alzheimer’s disease. According to the Alzheimer’s Society of the United Kingdom, which funded the study, the therapy targets tau, the protein that accumulates in cells forming insoluble fibrillar deposits.

An international study led by Lancaster University says it has developed a drug called RI-AG03 that targets and blocks the two “hotspots” where tau buildup tends to occur.

“This research is taking promising steps toward a unique new therapy that targets tau, a harmful protein in the brains of people living with Alzheimer’s, preventing it from clumping together,” said Richard Oakley, associate director of research and innovation.

According to the study, whose results were published in Alzheimer’s and Dementia: The Alzheimer’s Association Magazine, tau stabilizes nerve cells in the brain. These proteins can break down by bundling together to form long, twisted fibrils that disrupt cellular function. Abnormal Tau concentrations are a hallmark of Alzheimer’s, which affects more than 55 million people worldwide.

“There are two regions of the tau protein that act like a zipper to allow it to aggregate,” explained Dr. Amritpal Mudher, professor of neuroscience at the University of Southampton. “For the first time we have a drug that is effective at inhibiting both regions.”

How was the study carried out?

According to Dr. Mudher, the drug was given to fruit flies that had toxic Tau protein, and he noted that it suppressed neurodegeneration and extended the flies’ lives by about two weeks.

The half-life of a fruit fly is 40 to 50 days.

Researchers at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center also tested the drug in genetically modified cells and found that it reduced tau aggregation.

More tests will be carried out on rodents

According to experts, further tests will be carried out with RI-AG03 in rodents before starting clinical trials. It is important to note that previous tau-based therapies have failed in clinical trials.

Although there is no cure for Alzheimer’s, many medications aim to slow the cognitive decline of those affected.

What is Alzheimer’s?

Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive brain disorder that causes a gradual decline in memory and thinking skills. Experts say the disorder worsens over time and causes the brain to shrink and brain cells to eventually die.

Early signs and symptoms include difficulty remembering recent events and may progress to include confusion, disorientation, and difficulty planning. Other symptoms include: