A new study has revealed that the drug “NU-9” may improve neuronal health in animal models (mice) of Alzheimer’s disease. Previously, the drug had received approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for testing on patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).
The study was conducted by researchers from Northwestern University in Illinois, United States, and published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. The study was also covered by Newsweek.
Alzheimer’s Disease and “NU-9”
Richard Silverman, the inventor of the NU-9 drug from Northwestern University, stated, “We need to test it on humans before we know its effectiveness in treating Alzheimer’s disease. But the motor neuron function in mice is similar to that in humans, so it seems that NU-9 is really effective.”
Alzheimer’s disease affects brain cells responsible for memory and behavior, eventually leading to their complete destruction. The disease begins in older age and progresses slowly, resulting in memory loss, changes in thinking, and impairments in brain functions necessary for daily living.
Alzheimer’s is caused by malformed beta-amyloid proteins, which lose their normal shape, begin to clump together, and damage brain cells.
Eliminating Protein Clumps and Reducing Inflammation
The NU-9 drug addresses the underlying mechanisms of the disease. Laboratory experiments showed that NU-9 reduces the accumulation of malformed proteins inside cells and along neuronal branches. Even after stopping the drug, its protective effects remained.
The study also found that brain inflammation decreased significantly. William Klein, a co-researcher from Northwestern University, said, “The NU-9 treatment significantly inhibited or reduced brain inflammation. It stops protein accumulation in the brain and also halts the neuroinflammation that causes substantial brain damage. Therefore, the drug is highly effective.”
Further research showed that NU-9 works by activating lysosomes, which are organelles inside cells that act as recycling centers, breaking down waste and eliminating it.
