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FORNY20-FORNY2020

KVAL: Mitophagy induction to treat Alzheimer’s disease – a hit-to-lead drug discovery project

Awarded: NOK 0.50 mill.

Project Number:

341706

Project Period:

2022 - 2023

Funding received from:

Organisation:

Dementia affects over 50 million individuals worldwide, with an estimated number of 80,000-120,000 in Norway. Among the different types of dementia, Alzheimer’s disease (AD) constitutes to 70% of them. AD is a devastating neurodegenerative disease, happening majorly in the older population over 60 years of age, and within 20 years, most patients could totally lose their memories. There is no cure for AD. Our previous studies show that accumulation of brain garbage (e.g., damaged and dysfunctional proteins and sub-cellular organs), due to reduced garbage clearance capacity (autophagy), is a cause of AD. More specifically, we found that the engine (mitochondria) that controls garbage clearance is worn out during ageing and especially in AD. Thus, here we aim to develop drug candidates that care repair the engine (mitochondria). In this project, we have used both artificial intelligence (AI) and wet lab techniques and identified some drug candidates that can repair the engine. Further studies may propel the development of these candidates as lead compounds for clinical testing.

In the qualification project, a group of mitophagy inducing drug compounds were tested for effect on Alzheimer's disease. Two compounds showed particularly promising properties and demonstrated strong in vivo effect by restoring memory deficit in Alzheimer-like worms. This finding makes a good starting point for a drug discovery project, aiming at developing a new and effective drug for Alzheimer's disease, which will have a positive impact on patients, caregivers, healthcare system and society.

Funding scheme:

FORNY20-FORNY2020