Compound Stops Alzheimer’s Brain Cell Loss

Northwestern University scientists say they have developed a novel orally administered compound to help Alzheimer’s disease patients.

The compound reportedly halts brain cell inflammation and neuron loss associated with Alzheimer’s disease. The researchers note the compound is also rapidly absorbed by the brain and is non-toxic — important considerations for a central nervous system drug that might need to be taken for extended periods.

The compound, called MW01-5-188WH, selectively inhibits production of pro-inflammatory proteins called cytokines by glia. Those are cells of the central nervous system that normally help the body mount a response, but are overactivated in certain neurodegenerative diseases — such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease, stroke and traumatic brain injury.

The compound was designed and synthesized in the laboratory of D. Martin Watterson, a professor of cell and molecular biology at Northwestern University’s Feinberg School of Medicine.

The discovery is detailed in the Jan. 11 issue of the Journal of Neuroscience.