A copper-based compound restored the brain’s ability to clear toxic Alzheimer’s proteins, dramatically reducing amyloid buildup and improving memory in laboratory experiments. The findings point to a potentially fast-tracked new treatment strategy because the drug has already been tested in humans for other neurological conditions.

“This is the first study to show that [the compound] Cu(ATSM) can increase the abundance of P-gp clearance pumps in an Alzheimer’s model, by 24.1 percent, effectively linking the repair of the blood-brain barrier to a reduction in toxic proteins and improved cognitive function,” Dr. Pyun said.

“By improving the pumps, the brain can finally clear out the trapped waste. Over 56 days, the treatment reduced toxic amyloid-beta by 42 percent and improved spatial learning by nearly 44 percent.”

“Cu(ATSM) is a copper compound with anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective properties that has already progressed to clinical testing for conditions like Parkinson’s and ALS,” Professor Nicolazzo said.

  • JasonDJ@lemmy.zipEnglish
    153·
    3 days ago

    Wdym? If a drug like this were successful, everybody with any markers for Alzheimer’s would want to be in on it. They’d make bank for several years, until the patent expires, and then they’d have other methods of extending the patent and prolonging market exclusivity.

    Sorry but this is a shit talking point. What drug companies fear is the eradication of an ailment, and particularly by non-pharmaceutical means (i.e. gene therapy).

    Even something that’s 100% effective in preventing Alzheimer’s, would still see a hell of a market.

    And if such a drug is possible, then there’s the game theory question. Any pharma exec knows that if their company can make a breakthrough medicine…so too could another company. Is it worth it for them to sit on it, only for another company to make the same discovery a year or two later and bring it to market?