An international team of researchers led by Lancaster University have made a promising breakthrough in the development of drugs to treat Alzheimer’s Disease.

Dr. Edward Parkin comments on a potential therapy, the origins of which lie with one of the co-founders of Defying Dementia, Professor David Allsop​.

​As scientists it is a privilege to conduct research that may, ultimately, lead to treatments for devastating conditions such as Alzheimer’s. However, in addition to conducting our own research, it is essential that we provide opportunities for young early career scientists to join our ranks and, ultimately, spread the fight against dementia to multiple fronts. This is why we are particularly heartened to see a recent publication and associated news story featuring Dr. Anthony Aggidis of the University of Southampton. Anthony gained his PhD from Lancaster University under the supervision of Professor David Allsop, the late co-founder of Defying Dementia.​

The article in Alzheimer's & Dementia: The Journal of the Alzheimer's Association, features a drug, RI-AG03, the brainchild of David Allsop, and developed in his laboratory at Lancaster through computational modelling by Anthony. In Alzheimer’s, a number of sticky proteins clump together in the brain and become poisonous to nerve cells. One type of these proteins, called Tau, is the target of RI-AG03. The drug is a special design that makes it resistant to being broken down by enzymes in the body and it stops Tau clumping together to become toxic. Anthony has tested the drug in fruit flies which are, genetically, very similar to humans and found that it prevented Tau clumps and extended the life of the flies.​

​It is important to realise that, as Anthony himself says, “the study is in its early stages, so we don’t yet know if it will work or be safe in humans.” As David used to say to me “we have a great responsibility not to bring unnecessary false hope to those affected by dementia.” Nonetheless, I am sure David would have been nothing less than proud to see his research continuing in safe hands and we wish Anthony the best of luck in his research and the fight against dementia.​​​

Summary

Introducing Dr Edward Parkin, who reflects on a promising new Alzheimer’s therapy, RI-AG03, developed from the ground-breaking work of the late Professor David Allsop, co-founder of Defying Dementia. The drug targets the toxic Tau protein responsible for Alzheimer’s, showing early positive results in laboratory studies. Dr Parkin highlights the important role of early-career scientists like Dr Anthony Aggidis, whose research at Lancaster University continues to advance the fight against dementia. While still in its early stages, this innovative therapy offers hope for future treatments and serves as a lasting tribute to Professor Allsop's significant legacy in dementia research.