Beta amyloid is considered a prime target for drug development based on the overwhelming evidence in favour of this peptide being central to the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease (AD). One approach to developing effective treatments for AD is to design therapies that would inhibit beta amyloid toxicity.
This goal can be achieved either via
The neutralisation strategy focuses on inhibiting the ability for beta amyloid to produce an oxidant called hydrogen peroxide, which is thought to be responsible for the oxidative stress observed in Alzheimer's disease.
Professor Martins and his team developed a novel screening method to identify peptides that selectively recognize the unique part of beta amyloid that is responsible for hydrogen peroxide production and thereby reduce/inhibit its damaging effects on neuronal cells.
Three small peptides were identified by a molecular biology technique called phage display.
This work led to an international patent (PCT/AU02/01754) and the formation of a spin-off company, Alzhyme Pty Ltd. Alzhyme was awarded a Biotechnology Innovation Fund grant, which was matched dollar for dollar by a commercial group allowing further validation of these peptides.
One of three peptides identified in Stage 1 (referred to as ANA-1) was most effective at reducing hydrogen peroxide and attenuates beta amyloid induced neuronal death in cell culture.
We are now evaluating the therapeutic potential of ANA-1 and a modified version of this peptide, referred to as ANA-5, to be delivered directly to the brain, and assessing their activity in a transgenic animal model of Alzheimer's disease.
McCUSKER