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New Drug Could Halt Alzheimer's

Treatment removed damaging protein from blood, brains of patients

By Rob Quinn, Newser Staff

Posted Apr 14, 2009 4:14 AM CDT

(Newser) – British researchers believe a new drug has the potential to stop Alzheimer's disease in its tracks, reports the BBC. Testing found that the drug, called CPHPC, removed a protein thought to play a key role in Alzheimer's from the blood and, unexpectedly, the brain, in five patients treated for 3 months. The research—still in its early stages—was hailed by experts as grounds for “cautious optimism."

“A key characteristic of Alzheimer's disease is the clumping together of proteins in the brain,” said the head of research at the Alzheimer's Society. "It's very exciting that this drug could potentially interfere with this process, but it's too early to say how much it will benefit people with the disease."

[Images (2)]

[Quotes (1)]

A drug under development removed a protein associated with Alzheimer's disease from the brains of patients. Few side effects were experienced. (©pamelaadam)

Researchers say the subjects were given the drug for just 3 months, and are seeking funding for a longer and wider-reaching trial. (©Ebu Cehil)

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The best drugs at the moment slow progression by perhaps 5% in the first 6 months. If our drug did as much as that, it would be wonderful. If it did more than that, it would be magnificent.
- researcher Mark Pepys of University College London

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New Drug Could Halt Alzheimer's