Report Describes 300 Compounds in Development for Treatment of Alzheimer's Disease

Report Describes 300 Compounds in Development for Treatment of Alzheimer's Disease

(PRWEB) October 26, 2007 -- Piribo, the online destination for business intelligence for the biotech and pharmaceutical industry, has now added a new report which forecasts the market-share for various approaches in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease to 2016

"Alzheimer's Disease: New Drugs, Markets and Companies" reports that considerable research is in progress to understand the pathomechanism of the disease and find a cure. The only drugs approved currently are acetylcholinesterase inhibitors, beta amyloid deposits and neurofibrillary tangles. Acetylcholinesterase inhibitors do not correct the basic pathology of the disease. Also, several new approaches emphasise neuroprotection.

The study shows that acetylcholinesterase inhibitors are mostly a symptomatic treatment; however, some claims are made about a neuroprotective effect. Currently the only approved neuroprotective therapy in is memantine. Management of these patients also require neuroleptics for aggressive behaviour and antidepressants. There is an emphasis on early detection at the stage of mild cognitive impairment and early institution of neuroprotective measures. The value of mental exercise in delaying the onset of Alzheimer's disease is being recognized.

There are nearly 8 million sufferers from Alzheimer's disease in the seven major markets of the world, and this is anticipated to increase in the future.

Research in Alzheimer's disease still aims at elucidating the basic pathomechanisms. This can be made by animal models, which are important for research, particularly in testing some of the potential therapeutic approaches. There is considerable research in progress at the various centers, some of which is funded by the National Institute of Aging of the National Institutes of Health.
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