Advanced anti- Alzheimer disease drug close to finish clinical trials

The number of people suffering from neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease is constantly growing all over the world, which forces scientists to constantly search for drugs to effectively treat such conditions. However, despite the fact that there are already a number of drugs against Alzheimer's disease, their clinical use is often complicated by the adverse events. Promising drug Verubecestat is on the latest trials at the Merck Research Laboratory in New Jersey, which could be a rescue for Alzheimer's patients.

The disease is caused by the plaques of beta-amyloid proteins which damage the brain, causing a progressive cognitive abilities and memory ability decrease. The increased expression of beta-amyloids is due to the excessive activity of a special enzyme called BACE1. Actually, Verubecestat was developed to suppress the action of this enzyme.

The first two stages of the clinical study revealed this being an effective inhibitor of BACE1 expression and against the formation of harmful protein plaques. One or two doses of the drug was enough to reduce the beta-amyloids level, without such adverse events as liver damage or rapid neurodegenerative processes.

The last clinical trials phase of Verubecestat is currently over and since 2017 its tablet form is delivered to the drug stores and healthcare Institutions.