Current topics in the development of Alzheimer disease treatment by modulation of the γ-secretase activity

Taisuke Tomita

Department of Neuropathology and Neuroscience, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, The University of Tokyo

Several lines of evidence suggest that amyloid-β peptide (Aβ), a major component of the senile plaques, is linked to the pathogenesis of Alzheimer disease (AD). γ-Secretase is a responsible enzyme for Aβ production and one of the plausible therapeutic target for the AD treatment. Here I summarize recent progress of the development of AD treatment targeting the γ-secretase activity, including the clinical trials of γ-secretase inhibitor, Semagacestat.

Address correspondence to Dr. Taisuke Tomita, Department of Neuropathology and Neuroscience, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, The University of Tokyo (3-18-22 Honkomagome, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8677, Japan)