Therapeutic strategies and drug developments for dementia:focus on tau-targeted molecular therapies

Kosei Hirata, Tetsuya Nagata, Nobuo Sanjo, Takanori Yokota

Department of Neurology and Neurological Science, Tokyo Medical and Dental University

The number of dementia patients in Japan is estimated to reach around 7 million in 2025. Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common type of dementia. The advances in the understanding of pathogenesis of AD inspire potential drug targets including tau protein. Several tau-related compounds are currently undergoing clinical trials in AD patients. Recently, oligonucleotide therapeutics field has been growing, providing promising strategy for the neurological diseases including dementia. Here we review the recent progress in basic research that serve as foundation for drug developments and ongoing clinical trials for AD.

Address correspondence to Dr. Kosei Hirata, Department of Neurology and Neurological Science, Tokyo Medical and Dental University (1-5-45 Yushima, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8510, Japan)