Screening method for agents suitable for prophylaxis and therapy of Alzheimer's disease (AD)

Simple SummaryContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

This patent describes a novel method for identifying therapeutic compounds that could prevent or treat Alzheimer's disease (AD). The method involves screening compounds for their ability to reduce the formation of toxic amyloid-beta (Aβ) oligomers, specifically dimers and tetramers, which are believed to play a key role in neuronal damage and cognitive decline associated with AD. By comparing the aggregation state of Aβ peptides in the presence and absence of test compounds, the screening system identifies substances that inhibit or modify harmful oligomer formation.

Use CasesContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Pharmaceutical research and drug discovery for Alzheimer's disease therapeutics.
• Development of high-throughput screening assays to find molecules that prevent toxic Aβ oligomerization.
• Testing natural products, synthetic compounds, or libraries to identify candidates that may prevent or slow AD progression.
• Academic research for understanding mechanisms of neurotoxicity in AD and developing targeted therapies.
• Development of diagnostic tools or biomarkers relating to Aβ oligomer states.
• Production of anti-Aβ oligomer antibodies for therapeutic or diagnostic purposes.
• Design of vaccines or immunotherapies targeting toxic Aβ species.

BenefitsContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Provides a practical method to discover drug candidates that could slow, halt, or prevent Alzheimer's disease by targeting early toxic species rather than generic symptomatic relief.
• Enables identification of compounds that specifically inhibit the most neurotoxic Aβ oligomers, addressing a key causative mechanism of AD.
• Broad applicability to different compound classes (natural, synthetic, antibodies, small molecules, etc.).
• Supports both in vitro and in vivo (including animal models) screening, offering flexibility for research and the pharmaceutical industry.
• Can be used for both therapeutic and prophylactic agent discovery, addressing prevention as well as treatment.
• Offers potential for earlier intervention in AD, possibly before severe neuronal damage occurs.
• May also support the development of vaccines or passive immunization strategies for AD.

Technical Classifications (CPCs)

Inventors & Applicants

Patent Abstract

Described is a method of screening for a therapeutic agent useful in the prophylaxis or treatment of AD comprising detecting oligomers of a peptide comprising an APP-G 29 xxxG 33 motif in an assay system to which system a test compound has been added and comparing the size distribution of the oligomers of said peptide and/or degree of oligomerization with a control assay characterized by the absence of said test compound, wherein reduction of the amounts of dimers and/or tetramers indicates that said test compound might be suitable for prophylaxis or treatment of AD.