Arthritis drug to be repurposed to treat Alzheimer's disease

Scientists from the Massachusetts Clinic and Harvard Medical School have developed an artificial intelligence algorithm named DRIAD (Drug Repurposing In Alzheimer’s Disease) that can identify new therapeutic targets. DRIAD has been "taught" to evaluate the drug responses of nerve cells in the human brain. The researchers suggest that the use of artificial intelligence could be a "faster and less expensive option," as opposed to clinical trials of new experimental drugs designed from the ground up.

Based on preliminary studies involving DRIAD, a suitable agent has already been selected. This is Olumiant (baricitinib) developed by Eli Lily and used for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. The scientists claim that Olumiant is the most promising candidate among JAK inhibitors found by DRIAD, and argue that an inflammatory component is likely involved in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease. In the near future, Olumiant will be validated in clinical trials, taking into account patients with "subjective cognitive complaints, mild cognitive impairment and Alzheimer's disease".

Source: PHARMA PHORUM