Alzheimer's, Drugs | featured news

The new class of drug, which can be taken orally, is designed to protect the brain by combating the damaging effects of inflammation. Results from early stage clinical trials have yet to be announced, but studies on animals suggest the therapy could be effective against a wide range of conditions which also include motor neurone disease and complications from traumatic brain injury.

The tantalising prospect of treating a range of brain diseases, such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's, all with the same drug has been raised by UK researchers.

J&J agreed to buy an 18.4% stake in Elan for $1 billion and acquire the rights to much of the Irish biotech company's research into drugs for Alzheimer's disease.