From Lab to Life: New Molecule for Alzheimer’s

Source: depositphotos.com

In this space, I have persistently followed lab results that show promise for treating Alzheimer’s (dementia).   On October 5,   Euronews/ Ioannis Karagiorgas, reported this: “A Greek research team led by Giorgos Skretash has developed an innovative pharmaceutical molecule that, in preclinical tests, restored learning and memory capacity in animal models with characteristics of Alzheimer’s disease.”

Scientists at the Alexander Fleming Biomedical Sciences Research Center, the National Hellenic Research Foundatyion, and the biotech firm ResQ Biotech, collaborated in this research.

The molecule is called RSQ-020.  It works by targeting the tau protein.  When this protein folds abnormally and forms aggregates, it gums up our brains and causes dementia.

The research group used a new technological platform, that uses modified bacteria that can produce a huge number of different candidate molecules, while indicating at the same time which of them have genuine biological activity.  The goal is to pinpoint substances that can repair the malfunction of proteins that have lost their original structure.

The innovative approach is different from the ‘classical drug development process’, notes the head researcher.  This approach tries to find a molecule that ‘fits’ a specific protein target, like a key in a lock.  Problem is,  badly-folded tau molecules do not have a stable change – they change constantly, making it hard to develop effective treatments.

“Instead of simply looking for a molecule that will find to a specific site on the protein, we look directly for one that delivers the desired effect. Our technology allows allows us to see when a faulty protein is restored, because the bacteria we use emit a green signal when that happens,” said Dr. Skretash.

The technology was initially developed with a focus on ALS amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.  Protein misfolding is a common hallmark of many diseases, such as Parkinson’s…

As a (very) senior citizen, I have a special interest in this particular illness.  But so far results have disappointed. Let’s hope this creative new approach will yield pathbreaking results!