Introduction

The invention relates to a novel peptide (PEP3) and its use for the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease. The therapeutic approach is distinguished by being directed towards a new pharmacological target that is involved in the mechanisms underlying the pathology, and by its effectiveness in reducing amyloid levels and in recovering of memory deficits.

Technical features

Alzheimer’s disease is a neurodegenerative disorder that progressively affects memory and cognitive functions. Although this pathology represents a social problem destined to grow with the increase in life expectancy, only treatments that allow to temporarily relieve the symptoms are available, and therapeutic approaches or drugs that lead to a regression of this disease or its stabilization are still missing. The patented PEP3 peptide, modulating the altered enzymatic processes in the initial phases of the pathology, allows to have a therapeutic approach that has an effect on the mechanisms underlying the disease and not simply on the symptomatology. The tests, performed in vivo in an animal model of disease, showed the efficacy of the administration of the peptide in the recovery of the deficits of cognitive functions.

Possible Applications

• Treatment of Alzheimer’s disease.

Advantages

• Recovery of cognitive functions;
• Reduction of amyloid levels;
• Absence of toxicity or side effects (in vivo preclinical studies).