Targeting Tau protein as a treatment for Alzheimer’s disease

Description of impact

A joint venture between the University of Aberdeen and TauRx Pharmaceuticals Ltd has made considerable progression towards a novel treatment for Alzheimer’s disease (AD), with John Storey leading the chemistry team. Importantly it has also been shown that, in patients receiving the drug as monotherapy for 9 months, the rate of brain atrophy was reduced to that reported for normal elderly controls. Storey’s research has enabled elucidation of the drug’s mode of action, allowing a drastic reduction in the prescribed dose required for patients with significant enhancements in safety and tolerability, together with a greatly reduced environmental impact from patient excretion. Two new synthetic methods have also been developed that negate the need for toxic heavy metals during synthesis. Significant income generation has been realised for the companies engaged in production [ text removed for publication]. Storey’s research and subsequent intellectual property (IP) [ text removed for publication] in the REF period) has resulted in approximately [ text removed for publication] spend with patent agents. The IP has also played a key role in TauRx’s ability to raise funds [ text removed for publication] and its recognised status as an innovative leader in Neurodegenerative Disease Management, creating over 100 new research and development (R&D) jobs in the UK.

Outcomes to Date / Future Developments

TauRx Pharmaceuticals Ltd is a leader in dementia drug development, targeting cognitive decline resulting from tau aggregates in the brain. The unit’s research with the primary beneficiary TauRx, has national and international impact evidenced by:
(1) Enhanced production and income generation
(2) Improved clinical outcomes for patients
(3) Environmental advantages
(4) International innovation and competitiveness
(5) Job creation and company expansion

Impact status	Impact Completed (Open)
Impact date	2014 → 2018