Experimental drug shows promise in combating Alzheimer’s disease

An experimental drug developed to combat Alzheimer's disease could prevent inflammation, remove abnormal protein clumps in the brain and also restore memory in patients suffering from the neurodegenerative disease, a study revealed.

Development of abnormal protein clumps called amyloid plaques and tangled bundles of fibers in the brain are key characteristic of Alzheimer's disease. The build up leads to inflammation in the brain and neuron damage. As damage increases, it causes memory loss, confusion and dementia.

The new drug, known as NTRX-07, appeared to limit the inflammation in the brain, even as it preserved neurons and regenerative cells in the brain, according to the study.

"This drug may reduce inflammation in the brain, which is linked to Alzheimer's disease," said lead researcher Mohamed Naguib, professor at the Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine in Ohio.

"NTRX-07 uses a different mechanism than many other Alzheimer's drugs currently available, as it targets the cause of the disease, not just the symptoms," Naguib said.

NTRX-07 targeted CB2 receptors in the study conducted on mice. The receptors are found on the surface of microglia cells or immune cells that typically removed dangerous amyloid plaques in the brain.

Also, in the mice treated with the drug, levels of SOX2, a protein that helps new brain cells to develop and protect the brain in people with Alzheimer's disease, were higher, than in untreated mice.

In Alzheimer's patients significant signs of shrinking of the brain are seen as compared to a normal brain.

Dementia is a gradual decline of brain function, which is incurable, and interferes with a person's ability to carry out the normal tasks of daily living.

It is also known to trigger other mental health problems including personality changes, anxiety, mood swings and depression.

The new drug was unveiled at the Anesthesiology annual meeting in Chicago, organised by the American Society of Anesthesiologists.