Articles - New Vaccine Research |
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An exciting study published in the July 8, 1999 issue of Nature describes a new compound called AN-1792 that has been shown to prevent the formation of plaques in young mice genetically altered to develop Alzheimer's disease. Furthermore, the compound AN-1792 significantly reduced and inhibited further formation of amyloid plaques in older mice that had already exhibited signs of the disease.
AN-1792 is a synthetic form of a naturally occuring beta-amyloid protein, which has long been identified as the primary component of the amyloid plaques. These amyloid plaques are one of the pathological characteristics of Alzheimer's disease. Amyloid plaques impede nerve cell function and cause nerve cell death in the brains of people with Alzheimer's disease. Although amyloid plaques are found in the brains of most individuals with Alzheimer's disease, it is not yet known whether plaques are a cause or a result of the disease process.
This study included two distinct experiments, both using mice that have been genetically altered to develop Alzheimer's disease. In the first experiment, the mice were immunized with AN-1792, while two separate control groups were given injections of either saline or another protein. After 13 months, the three groups of mice were evaluated. The group that received the injection of AN-1792 developed no amyloid plaques in their brains, while the other two control groups did develop plaques characteristic of Alzheimer's disease.
The results from this study suggest that AN-1792 can reduce the accumulation of amyloid plaques in the brains of the mice. If this finding is replicated in humans, scientists will then be able to test amyloid reduction as a treatment strategy for Alzheimer's disease. The results of this study were very positive. However, they are still considered preliminary. Because the immune system of a mouse is very different from that of a human being, it is difficult for scientists to predict whether AN-1792 will be effective in humans.
Currently, there are no clinical drug studies under way using AN-1792. Pending FDA approval for testing later in the year by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), AN-1792 will be evaluated for safety in a small group of individuals (usually 50 or less). Once its safety is approved, larger clinical studies could begin as early as the end of next year.
Four to seven years.
Call Elan Pharmaceuticals at (800) 894-7308 or the Helpline at (703) 359-4440.
Last updated: August 16, 1999
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