Ponesimod, known as Ponvory, is an FDA-approved drug used to treat relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis (MS). However, a groundbreaking study suggests that this drug may hold the key to treating Alzheimer’s disease.
Researchers at the University of Kentucky discovered that ponesimod reduces inflammation in the brain, which is a crucial factor in the progression of Alzheimer’s. This finding makes ponesimod the first drug to show effectiveness in a mouse model for Alzheimer’s disease.
What sets ponesimod apart is that it is already approved for use in MS patients, making it a cost-effective and convenient option for treating Alzheimer’s. Since the drug has already undergone safety testing in humans, it could reach the market faster compared to new medications that would need to go through the lengthy FDA review process.
Approximately 6.2 million Americans aged 65 and older are living with Alzheimer’s disease, a progressive and irreversible neurological disorder that affects cognitive function, memory, and behavior. Finding an effective treatment is crucial, especially considering the significant impact that Alzheimer’s has on individuals and their families.
To understand why ponesimod may be effective, it’s important to note the similarities between MS and Alzheimer’s. Both diseases involve inflammation, which is a major driver of their symptoms. Ponesimod calms down inflammation in the brain for MS patients, while in Alzheimer’s patients, it targets a protein called beta-amyloid peptide that accumulates in the brain and disrupts brain cell function.
In the study, researchers focused on microglia, immune cells that regulate inflammatory responses in the brain and spine. Dysfunctional microglia are associated with neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s. The researchers “reprogrammed” microglia to help eliminate toxic proteins from the brain, with promising results. The MS drug reduced inflammatory responses and encouraged microglia to clear protein clumps and tangles in the brain.
While these findings are encouraging, further studies are needed to prove the drug’s effectiveness in humans. This study was published in the journal eBioMedicine.
Alzheimer’s disease is a degenerative disease of the brain characterized by the buildup of abnormal proteins that cause nerve cell death. This leads to loss of memory, orientation, and cognitive abilities. Currently, there is no known cure for Alzheimer’s, but treatments are available to alleviate symptoms. Acetylcholinesterase inhibitors help with brain cell communication, and memantine blocks the buildup of a chemical called glutamate that inhibits mental function in Alzheimer’s patients. Non-pharmaceutical treatments, such as mental training to improve memory, are also recommended.
In conclusion, the discovery of ponesimod’s potential effectiveness in treating Alzheimer’s disease is a major breakthrough. This existing MS drug could offer a cost-effective and convenient solution for patients, pending further research and testing. Alzheimer’s is a devastating disease, and finding effective treatments is crucial for improving the lives of millions of individuals affected by this condition.
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