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Review

Exp Neurobiol 2010; 19(3): 120-131

Published online December 31, 2010

https://doi.org/10.5607/en.2010.19.3.120

© The Korean Society for Brain and Neural Sciences

Drug Development for Alzheimer's Disease: Recent Progress

Wonjin Ji and Ilho Ha*#

Institute for Brain Science and Technology (IBST)/Graduate Program in Neuroscience, Inje University, Busan 614-735, Korea

Correspondence to: #Present address: Theragen Bio Institute, GSBC Building, Suwon 443-776, Korea
*To whom correspondence should be addressed.
TEL: 82-31-259-6500, FAX: 82-31-259-6511
e-mail: ilhoha@therabio.org or ilhoha@yahoo.com

Abstract

Alzheimer's disease, the most common cause of dementia, is characterized by two major pathological hallmarks: amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles. Based on these two indicators, an amyloid cascade hypothesis was proposed, and accordingly, most current therapeutic approaches are now focused on the removal of β-amyloid peptides (Aβ from the brain. Additionally, strategies for blocking tau hyperphosphorylation and aggregation have been suggested, including the development of drugs that can block the formation of tangles. However, there are no true disease-modifying drugs in the current market, though many drugs based on theories other than Aβ and tau pathology are under development. The purpose of this review was to provide information on the current development of AD drugs and to discuss the issues related to drug development.

Keywords: Alzheimer's disease, AՂ,, tau, drug, clinical trial