New drug could be one-size-fits-all for cognitive diseases

A new drug is being heralded as a potential one-size-fits-all treatment for Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis and traumatic brain injury.

Researchers at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine claim the class of drug - represented by MW151 and MW189 - can reduce inflammation in the brain.

The team has already been given a patent to cover this development and the commercial side has been taken over by a biotech company.

So far a human Phase 1 clinical trial has taken place to test the drugs ability to successfully target a particular form of brain inflammation common in those with neurological diseases and injury.

Known as neuroinflammation, it is key in the progressive damage characteristics of conditions like Alzheimer's.

The drug differs from existing treatments available, particularly for Alzheimer's disease, as it doesn't specifically target Plaques.

Dr D Martin Watterson, co-author of the study, explained: "This could become part of a collection of drugs you could use to prevent the development of Alzheimer's."

The discovery follows a study that claims a cocktail of nutrients can overcome the loss of connections between brain cells experienced by those with Alzheimer's.

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