Scientists discover new Alzheimer’s drug that repairs DNA damage and reduces brain inflammation
Scientists have discovered that a drug originally developed for spinal cord injuries can tackle several key features of Alzheimer’s disease, including DNA damage and inflammation. Already tested for initial safety in humans, the experimental treatment could offer a faster path toward therapies that target the disease at its roots.
Scientists from King's College London have developed an experimental drug, KCL-286, which shows promise in treating Alzheimer's disease. This drug targets multiple aspects of the condition, such as repairing damaged DNA, reducing inflammation, and addressing biological changes associated with Alzheimer's. Unlike traditional treatments that focus on the buildup of toxic proteins, KCL-286 tackles additional processes that can begin early in the disease's progression.
The drug, which has already cleared Phase 1 human safety and tolerability trials, could significantly speed up the drug development process compared to usual standards. The drug works by activating a protein involved in the retinoic acid pathway, which is linked to vitamin A and various cellular processes. Early research suggests that this pathway might be relevant to Alzheimer's disease, as disruptions in it have been linked to the formation of amyloid-beta deposits in the brains of rats.
By activating this protein, KCL-286 could promote the repair of DNA double-strand breaks, a severe form of DNA damage that can disrupt cell function and survival. The researchers believe that targeting several harmful processes simultaneously with KCL-286 could offer a more effective approach to Alzheimer's treatment than focusing on amyloid-beta or tau alone.
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