Scientists Target a New Culprit in Alzheimer's as Experimental Drug Shows Early Promise

An experimental drug is taking a markedly different approach to slowing early Alzheimer's disease, focusing on a brain protein called tau rather than the amyloid plaques that have been the primary target of existing treatments. Researchers reported the promising early results on Tuesday, according to multiple outlets including Newsday and East Bay Times.

2 sources

NewsdayAn experimental Alzheimer's drug shows promise targeting a different brain protein, new study showsEast Bay TimesAn experimental Alzheimer’s drug shows promise targeting a different brain protein, new study shows

"For years, scientists have struggled to crack one of Alzheimer's biggest mysteries. That may finally be changing." The comment from ketv.com reflects the cautious optimism surrounding this new line of attack, which shifts the scientific focus from one toxic protein to another.

ketv.comExperimental drug takes a new aim at Alzheimer’s, with promising early results

The drug works by lowering the brain's production of tau, which, along with amyloid, is considered part of a toxic duo fueling Alzheimer's. Current approved treatments target amyloid, but prior attempts to develop drugs that go after tau have struggled, koaa.com reported. "An experimental drug might help slow early Alzheimer's disease in a markedly different way than today's treatments," Newsday noted, "by lowering levels of a brain protein called tau."

koaa.comAn experimental Alzheimer's drug is showing some promise

"An experimental drug might help slow early Alzheimer's disease in a markedly different way than today's treatments, by lowering levels of a brain protein called tau, researchers reported Tuesday." This early-stage study, covered by outlets such as kcci.com, koat.com, and kmbc.com, is still far from confirming a viable treatment, but it offers a fresh avenue for research into a disease that has long eluded effective therapies. The findings are preliminary and more work is needed to determine if the approach can ultimately benefit patients.

3 sources

koat.comExperimental drug takes a new aim at Alzheimer’s, with promising early resultskcci.comExperimental drug takes a new aim at Alzheimer’s, with promising early resultskmbc.comExperimental drug takes a new aim at Alzheimer’s, with promising early results