Conclusion
These findings, together with those of previous in vivo studies conducted in relevant Alzheimer's disease models, pave the path to drug development. Bioavailability studies indicated that NAP penetrates cells and crosses the blood-brain barrier after nasal or systemic administration. Phase II clinical trials of NAP are currently in progress by Allon Therapeutics Inc.
Methods
Cerebral cortical cultures derived from newborn rats were used in neuronal survival assays to test the activity of both NAP and D-SAL against the major Alzheimer's disease toxic peptide beta amyloid (1-42).
Results
NAP and D-SAL protected cerebral cortical neurons against the major Alzheimer's disease toxic peptide beta amyloid (1-42). Maximal protection of both peptides was observed at concentrations of 10-15 to 10-10 mol/l.