(ContentDesk via ContentDesk Direct ) July 14, 2006 -- A medical research study has revealed new information regarding a possible new therapeutic target for the treatment of Alzheimers disease . Alzheimer patients remain poorly treated and are growing in number. Currently, cholinesterase inhibitors and the more recent NMDA-receptor antagonists provide only moderate and temporary symptomatic benefit. By the end of the decade, however, novel drugs with the ability to slow the rate of disease progression are expected to be launched. CD40 or CD40L appear to be good molecular targets for the disease.

The development of safe biological or low molecular weight compounds directed at these molecules would be very interesting as potential new therapies.

A paper from the Roskamp Institute in Sarasota, Florida, reports that as with CD40L, CD40 deletion also prevents the development of Alzheimer's disease-like pathology. Thus blocking either CD40 or its ligand may be of therapeutic interest and indeed the blockade of the former may be preferable as cardiovascular adverse effects may be reduced (Source: Neuroinflammation. 2006 Feb 24;3:3. ) Dr.

Michael Mullan , Director of the Roskamp Institute, says, "CD40 or CD40L appear to be good molecular targets for the disease. The development of safe biological or low molecular weight compounds directed at these molecules would be very interesting as potential new therapies." For more information about medical research studies regarding Alzheimer's Disease, please contact:The Roskamp Institute @ 941-752-2949.