In a study published this Sunday, November 14, researchers at the University of Leicester reported a breakthrough in the fight against Alzheimer's disease. Effective in mice, the vaccine developed could suppress the state of dementia.
Developed by scientists at the University of Leicester, the single-use dose would cost just £ 15, or just over 17.5 euros. However, it would be of rare effectiveness after having been proven in rodents, according to the study published Sunday in the specialized journal Molecular Psychiatry.
The goal of the vaccine is to prevent harmful proteins from being deposited in the brain, causing memory loss. These plaques, which are formed when separate beta-amyloid protein molecules shorten, turn into clumps that block the functioning of brain cells.
"This opens up the possibility of treating not only Alzheimer's disease once symptoms are detected, but also of preventing disease with the vaccine before symptoms appear," commented Professor Mark Carr of the University of Leicester, for the Daily Mail.
- A TARGETED ANTIBODY
In their work, the experts identified an antibody, named TAP01-04, capable of binding to the toxic form of the beta-amyloid molecule to stop the clumping of harmful plaques in the brain. It has demonstrated its full potential, in the rodents used for the study, in restoring brain cells to improve memory.
Beyond the direct treatment of Alzheimer's disease, this innovative approach could help prevent its occurrence. In order to fund this treatment and put it through clinical trials, the researchers launched an appeal in order to attract a business partner.
According to a WHO report released in September, 55 million people have been diagnosed with dementia around the world. This figure is expected to triple by 2050 due to the overall aging of the population.
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