14 DAY TRIAL // A collaboration of researchers and clinicians in Europe is currently investigating the effects of a drug commonly used to treat high blood pressure on patients suffering from a form of dementia called Alzheimer's disease. The effort includes scientists with the Sahlgrenska Academy and Sahlgrenska University Hospital, both in Sweden.
The massive undertaking required an investment of 6 million euros ($8.23 million), but could result in the development of a new therapy against this neurodegenerative condition, AlphaGalileo reports. The drug being investigated is called nilvadipine (see its chemical structure above).
A total of 500 patients in 9 countries are participating in the research. They are receiving nilvadipine because studies conducted on animals revealed that the chemical appears to be effective in preventing the formation of beta-amyloid plaques, which are a hallmark of Alzheimer's disease.
“Should this clinical trial be successful, nilvadipine would become the first Alzheimer's drug that not only reduces the symptoms of the disease but also acts on its causes. This could dramatically reduce Europe's costs for caring for patients with this neurodegenerative disease,” explains Sahlgrenska Academy researcher Anne Börjesson-Hanson.