We are seeing an explosion of new molecules developed by industry

Finally good news on the front of the fight against Alzheimer's disease. A series of innovative molecules in the final phase of development should soon complete the therapeutic arsenal available to support patients with mild to moderate disease form. "We are seeing an explosion of new molecules developed by industry." "It is the result of nearly twenty-five years of research," said Ralph Nixon, doctor of the American Alzheimer's association. In fact, researchers are trying to stop the process of manufacture and accumulation of the responsible protein of asphyxia of neurons (see box). Work focus around 4 themes that were widely discussed at the CDI, the Congress which brings together every two years the disease specialists (International Conference on Alzheimer's Disease and Related Disorders). The latest figures published in Madrid confirm the extent of the "future disaster", consequence of the ageing of the population. According to the Institut Karolinska in Stockholm, the total cost for the society at the global level would reach the total astronomical $ 248 billion.

This estimate takes into account the medical, social and informal disease costs. "These amounts show how weighs the impact of this scourge in our societies." We have very significantly increase our efforts to research and improve the policy for the detection of the sick. "If we just wait without doing anything, our health systems will explode", notes William Thies, in charge of the scientific relations of the American Alzheimer's association.

Another survey presented in Madrid concerned as well as the specialists: the link found between eating behaviors, lifestyles and onset of the disease. The work of a Finnish University specialized in nutrition (Kuopio), the emergence of cognitive impairment in the elderly is linked to excessive consumption of fat and to lack of exercise. Large consumers of saturated fatty acids contained in animal fat (including milk) between 50 and 60 more often develop from my when they grow older. This study also seems to confirm the evolution slow, or even very slow process neurodegenerative (several tens of years in some cases). An investigation of a Canadian University (Halifax) highlights the lack of exercise and the prevalence of the disorder.

More original mechanism

In this context, the arrival of new classes of drugs is experienced with relief by gerontologists. Treatments currently on the market (cholinesterase inhibitors) have a modest, any effect by being widely prescribed (see table). In the majority of cases, symptomatic treatment (they do not act on the causes) can however save one or two years on the operation and institution of patients. As a new comparative review conducted by a specialized British organization (Nice), three of the four molecules currently on the market (donepezil, galantamine and rivastigmine) have efficiencies substantially identical to the initial forms of pathology. On the other hand, according to Jacqueline Birks, who coordinated the ill (a meta-analysis on 9.200) work, the report cost-efficiency of these products "is not clear."

Several new drugs to reach next year are a more original mechanism of action. This is the case of the molecule developed by the American Myriad Pharmaceutical in Salt Lake City. This laboratory is a subsidiary of Myriad Genetics, known for his conflict with the European law with its patents covering certain susceptibility genes (BRCA 1 and 2) breast cancer. The company completed clinical trials of a modulator of gamma Secretase (see box). It is actually a molecule already used against arthritis which limits the production of the protein toxic and reduced plaque formation. For phase 3 800 patients should start in September in the United States, the Canada and in Europe. According to Gordon Wilcock of Oxford University who led the work, testing (placebo) showed positive effects. "It is a new class of drugs." "The results should be confirmed by tests of phase 3", said the researcher. The CEO of Myriad Pharmaceutical, Adrian Hobden, is sufficiently confident, despite the financial risks of the operation: "neurodegenerative diseases clinical trials cost nearly 20,000 euros per patient." We only market not ourselves this product without a commercial network to the height. We are looking for a partner. This will be a large industrial pharmacy will take care of sales and marketing.