Exp Neurobiol.  2010 Dec;19(3):120-131. 10.5607/en.2010.19.3.120.

Drug Development for Alzheimer's Disease: Recent Progress

• Ji W
• Ha I

• KMID: 1460756
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.5607/en.2010.19.3.120

Abstract

Alzheimer's disease, the most common cause of dementia, is characterized by two major pathological hallmarks: amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles. Based on these two indicators, an amyloid cascade hypothesis was proposed, and accordingly, most current therapeutic approaches are now focused on the removal of beta-amyloid peptides (Abeta from the brain. Additionally, strategies for blocking tau hyperphosphorylation and aggregation have been suggested, including the development of drugs that can block the formation of tangles. However, there are no true disease-modifying drugs in the current market, though many drugs based on theories other than Abeta and tau pathology are under development. The purpose of this review was to provide information on the current development of AD drugs and to discuss the issues related to drug development.

Keyword

Alzheimer's disease; Abeta; tau; drug; clinical trial

MeSH Terms

Alzheimer Disease
Amyloid
Brain
Dementia
Neurofibrillary Tangles
Peptides
Plaque, Amyloid
Amyloid
Peptides