Researchers have provide you with a novel therapy to eliminate the harmful tau protein, which is primarily answerable for Alzheimer’s disease.

A primary-of-its-kind research trial conducted collaboratively by scientists on the University College London and University College London Hospitals found a “gene silencing” technique that may reduce the danger of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease, as per the Science Blog.

To perform the method, a drug called BIIB080 (MAPTRx) was employed to “silence” the gene coding for the tau protein, which was formed by the microtubule-associated protein tau (MAPT) gene. Through the tactic, the gene was deterred from being translated into the protein.

The strategy may even ensure that that lesser amounts of tau protein are produced in order that the disease doesn’t present itself in real-time, the Science Blog reported.

The findings of the primary installment of the research have been published in Nature Medicine. In a cohort study involving 46 participants, the tactic showed positive outcomes and significantly lowered the quantity of tau within the brain.

How is tau protein connected to Alzheimer’s?

The protein is present in the nerve cells of the brain. On the onset of Alzheimer’s, the protein increases by abnormal measures and creates neurofibrillary tangles contained in the brain’s neurons. In comparison with a healthy brain, those with Alzheimer’s see their functioning disrupted by the tangles, which ultimately ends in cognitive impairment.

The most recent study was proven to be well-tolerated by the participants, all of whom accomplished the treatment period and over 90% accomplished the post-treatment periods.

“The outcomes are a big step forward in demonstrating that we are able to successfully goal tau with a gene silencing drug to slow – or possibly even reverse – Alzheimer’s disease, and other diseases brought on by tau accumulation in the longer term,” said Dr Catherine Mummery, consultant neurologist on the National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery.

While talking to the Telegraph, Tara Spires-Jones, professor of neurodegeneration and deputy director of the Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences on the University of Edinburgh, showered praises on the findings. Spires-Jones, nonetheless, noted there was still a protracted approach to go together with the research.

“Excitingly, on this small study, there was also a really promising reduction of tau within the cerebrospinal fluid after treatment. While there’s a protracted approach to go in larger trials to find out whether this drug will help people living with dementia, the information are very promising. This kind of treatment targeting tau has the potential to slow and even hopefully stop Alzheimer’s disease progression, so I very much stay up for seeing results from the following stages of testing.”

This breakthrough could results in recent treatments for dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.
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Published by Medicaldaily.com