Researchers from the Korea Institute of Science and Technology, using mice genetically altered to develop features of Alzheimer's disease, have discovered that 4-(2-hydroxyethyl)-1-piperazinepropanesulphonic acid (EPPS) can remove the build-up of the amyloid protein associated with the disease and restore their memory and behavioral problems.

In the first experiment, the research team found that EPPS given to mice through their drinking water before or at the same time as an injection of abnormal amyloid protein restored the memory problems that are associated with this protein. Furthermore, this dose of EPPS had the ability to cross into the brain with ease, one of the biggest challenges faced by developers of drugs that combat Alzheimer's disease.

The second experiment in the study found that EPPS treatments improved the performance of mice genetically engineered to develop amyloid plaques over time on tests of memory and learning compared to healthy mice and the untreated genetically modified mice.

"There is currently a strong focus on developing treatments for Alzheimer's that aim to stop the build-up of the hallmark Alzheimer's protein, amyloid, in the brain," Simon Ridley, Director of Research at Alzheimer's Research U.K., said in a press release. "Although some anti-amyloid drugs are currently in late-stage clinical testing, several trials have also failed and there is much debate as whether this is a suitable approach for a new treatment. Many of the current drugs being explored act to stop the formation of amyloid plaques in the brain which mean they may need to be given early in the disease process."

The study successfully identified a chemical that can breakdown amyloid plaques after they have already formed in the brain, giving it great potential to help restore the damages in memory and learning experienced by those with Alzheimer's disease.

"With no new treatments for Alzheimer's licensed since 2002, we urgently need to capitalise on promising early science to make sure it's progressed as quickly as possible towards clinical testing," said Ridley. "Alzheimer's Research UK has launched several large initiatives, including our Drug Discovery Alliance, to ensure that positive early findings can be moved towards new treatments for diseases like Alzheimer's more quickly."

The study was published in the Dec. 8 issue of the journal Nature Communications.