Research on Alzheimer's disease advances

2001/08/03 Roa Zubia, Guillermo - Elhuyar Zientzia

• Osasuna
• Medikuntza

Elan Corporation is testing the vaccine with humans to treat Alzheimer's disease. Two years ago the company performed the first tests with mice obtaining good results. Young mice were immunized by vaccine. Then the first step to testing with humans was launched.

The disease is considered to occur when beta-amylase proteins build up in the brain. Protein plaques thus formed interfere in communication between neurons and sometimes interrupt it. Consequently, neurons activate apoptosis (the procedure of cell suicide). The goal of the vaccine is to destroy these plaques.

Alzheimer's weakens the immune system, so the patient cannot cope with another disease. Therefore, many patients die from pneumonia or other similar disease.

The Elan Corporation vaccine, called AN-1792, has been tested with 100 patients who do not have a very developed disease and has contributed to strengthening the immune system of patients. This does not allow the recovery of lost neurons, but stops the spread of the disease. Scientists will now start the next step in testing.

On the other hand, other New York scientists are testing with mice another similar vaccine. So far, 90% of the plates formed in the brain of mice have been destroyed. This vaccine will also take a few years to test with humans.