Researchers at Northwestern University have developed a promising treatment for Alzheimer’s disease that may allow for its management similarly to high cholesterol. By using a novel compound known as NU-9, scientists have shown they can inhibit early stages of the disease in mice, potentially paving the way for a groundbreaking therapeutic approach. This research, detailed in a paper published in Alzheimer’s & Dementia: The Journal of the Alzheimer’s Association, highlights a previously unidentified subtype of brain protein linked to Alzheimer’s progression.
The research team, led by chemistry professor Richard Silverman, discovered that NU-9 targets a specific protein associated with Alzheimer’s. “Most people are used to monitoring their cholesterol levels,” Silverman stated. “If you have high cholesterol, it doesn’t mean that you will have a heart attack soon. But it’s time to take drugs to lower your cholesterol levels to prevent that heart attack from happening down the road. NU-9 could play a similar role.” He emphasized that individuals with biomarkers indicating the potential for Alzheimer’s could begin treatment with NU-9 before symptoms manifest.
In their study, researchers administered an oral dose of NU-9 to laboratory mice genetically predisposed to Alzheimer’s but not yet exhibiting symptoms. Over a period of sixty days, they monitored the compound’s effects on amyloid beta oligomers, proteins that accumulate in the brains of Alzheimer’s patients. Upon examination, the team found that NU-9 significantly reduced the levels of a newly identified subtype of amyloid beta oligomers, termed ACU193+ AβOs. This specific protein has been linked to brain inflammation, which occurs prior to Alzheimer’s diagnosis.
“These results are stunning,” said William Klein, a neuroscience professor at Northwestern and the principal investigator of the study. He expressed optimism about the implications of their findings, noting that advancements in early diagnostic blood tests for Alzheimer’s, combined with a drug that could halt the disease’s progression, represent a crucial goal in treatment strategies.
Next steps for the research team will focus on testing the efficacy of NU-9 in later stages of Alzheimer’s disease. Silverman originally designed NU-9, also known as cyclohexane-1,3-dione, to seek out compounds that could address neurological disorders. Notably, NU-9 has also demonstrated effectiveness against other conditions such as Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) and potentially frontotemporal degeneration, all of which involve the formation of toxic proteins in the brain.
The development of NU-9 signifies a significant step forward in the quest for effective Alzheimer’s treatments. As scientists continue to explore its capabilities and safety, this research may one day lead to a standardized method of managing Alzheimer’s disease, bringing hope to millions affected by this debilitating condition.
