NGP 555, a γ-secretase modulator, lowers the amyloid biomarker, Aβ42 in cerebrospinal fluid while preventing Alzheimer's disease cognitive decline in rodents

Maria Z. Kounnas, Courtney Lane-Donovan, Dan W. Nowakowski, Joachim Herz, William T. Comer

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

24 Scopus citations

Abstract

Introduction Alzheimer's disease (AD) is defined by the progressive accumulation of amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles in the brain which precedes cognitive decline by years. Methods Using amyloid biomarkers, chemical modeling, mouse behavioral models, and drug development techniques, we investigate the properties of NGP 555, a clinical-stage γ-secretase modulator. Results NGP 555 shifts amyloid peptide production to the smaller, nonaggregating forms of amyloid. Our preclinical studies show beneficial effects on amyloid biomarkers, pathology, and cognition. NGP 555 has successfully completed chemistry, pharmacology, toxicity, metabolism, and safety studies. Discussion Abundant data support Aβ42 as a target for prophylactic or early-stage intervention therapies in AD. The γ-secretase modulator, NGP 555 is being actively developed in human clinical trials for the prevention of Alzheimer's disease with the overall aim to achieve an appropriate balance of potency/efficacy on reducing the toxic forms of amyloid versus safety.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)65-73
Number of pages9
JournalAlzheimer's and Dementia: Translational Research and Clinical Interventions
Volume3
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - Jan 1 2017

Keywords

  • Alzheimer's
  • Amyloid
  • Biomarkers
  • Cerebrospinal fluid
  • Cognition
  • Dementia
  • Gamma-secretase
  • Modulator
  • Pathology
  • Prevention

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Clinical Neurology
  • Psychiatry and Mental health

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