Alzheimer’s disease

Therapy of Alzheimers Disease (AD)

We have developed a monoclonal antibody against a protein involved in Alzheimer`s disease (AD), the A-beta amyloid protein, which can adopt insoluble structures causing deposits in the brain, called amyloid plaques. These structures are correlating with the disease. We made monoclonal antibodies, which recognize a defined region in the A-beta protein by immunizing mice. From such mice we isolated monoclonal antibodies. They are able dissolve amyloid plaques in the brain of AD mice.

Our procedure is a passive immunization, but we can also use the plasmid DNA for an active immunization, in which the patient produces specific antibodies himself.

This could be performed preferably early during the onset of the disease as a prophylactic or preventive approach.

Alternatively the monoclonal antibodies can be applied to the advanced patient for a passive immunization, so that a therapeutic effect is achieved, which may reduce or halt the symptoms.

The next steps to be performed are treatment of AD-mice for testing cognitive improvement of the mice after therapy. These mice are commercially available. The test can also be contracted out to a service company or group. Such a possibility has been discussed but require some resources. Furthermore, the monoclonal antibodies were produced in mice and require humanisation in order not to cause unspecific reactions against the mouse moiety. This as a rather expensive procedure and requires some resources, but are routine procedures which can also be contracted out.

A patent application is submitted as provisional filing