New Drug Prevents Hallmark of Alzheimer's Disease in Animals

A study in the Journal of Experimental Medicine demonstrated that a drug that modulates the behavior of one enzyme reduces the formation of plaques that are a hallmark of Alzheimer's disease, reports Medical News Today . The drug is a gamma-secretase modulator (GSM), which adjusts rather than inhibits the action of gamma-secretase; earlier research found inhibition induced toxic side effects, including worsening cognitive abilities relative to placebo. Following GSM testing in mice, rats, and macaques, the researchers found that it significantly reduced the accumulation of peptides that create plaques, with no toxic side effects. Administering the drug before or after the animals began to develop plaques lowered overall plaque formation, and reduced inflammation associated with plaque buildup. "We have pharmacologically characterized a potent GSM that, based on its preclinical attributes, appears to equal or exceed the potency of any previously tested GSMs," said Massachusetts General Hospital Professor Rudolph Tanzi. "Future clinical trials will determine whether this promising GSM is safe in humans and could be used to effectively treat or prevent Alzheimer's disease."