Pineapple Thief
24-07-06, 11:34 PM
Scientists have developed a once-a-day pill that they hope could potentially cure Alzheimer's disease.
Tests in mice have shown the drug, PBT2, prevents build up of the amyloid protein linked to the disease.
Protein levels dropped by 60% within 24 hours of a single dose, and memory performance improved within five days.
A team from Australia's Mental Health Research Institute of Victoria, who are behind the research, hope the drug could be on the market in four years.
Human tests are due to start next month, followed by a major international trial next year.
Already preliminary tests in humans have showed the drug does not cause any major side-effects.
The researchers believe the drug has the potential to delay the onset of disease, or slow down its progression.
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http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/5210048.stm
This is good news, Alzheimers is a very cruel disease. Thought some of the docs here might be interested in this, thoughts?
Tests in mice have shown the drug, PBT2, prevents build up of the amyloid protein linked to the disease.
Protein levels dropped by 60% within 24 hours of a single dose, and memory performance improved within five days.
A team from Australia's Mental Health Research Institute of Victoria, who are behind the research, hope the drug could be on the market in four years.
Human tests are due to start next month, followed by a major international trial next year.
Already preliminary tests in humans have showed the drug does not cause any major side-effects.
The researchers believe the drug has the potential to delay the onset of disease, or slow down its progression.
=======================
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/5210048.stm
This is good news, Alzheimers is a very cruel disease. Thought some of the docs here might be interested in this, thoughts?