Allele Biotechnology and Pharmaceuticals recently received funds from the National Institute on Aging, a branch of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), to create a novel antibody therapy to treat Alzheimer’s.
As the most common cause of dementia, Alzheimer’s is a frequently encountered illness. Unfortunately, there are not any treatments that can stop or reverse the disease as it progresses in patients.
Allele’s scientists and academic collaborators have stated that there is a strong connection between Alzheimer’s and a new, uncharacterized target gene. This gene decreases beta-amyloid production and tau phosphorylation, which are both part of the plaque formations in Alzheimer’s. In addition, if this protein coagulates in the brain, it can inhibit synapses and cause cognitive impairment.
Using the NIH funds, Allele will create a panel of antibodies with this protein. The goal is to utilize these antibodies to develop a therapeutic drug candidate. Because of the size and shape of the antibodies, they can bypass the blood-brain barrier into difficult-to-reach brain regions. Each antibody can be altered to improve its therapeutic potential.
Allele’s researchers hope that this treatment will heighten the function of the antibody as it targets proteins found in Alzheimer’s patients’ brains. The overarching intention is to decrease the pathogenesis of Alzheimer’s to improve worldwide health.
