Experts call for Alzheimer's therapies to focus on gene

New therapies to focus on gene named Apoe. Therapies designed to block the variants have vast potential

- Ian Sample

New therapies for Alzheimer's should target a gene linked to the disease, according to researchers who said most cases would never arise if its harmful effects were neutralised.

Their call follows the arrival of the first wave of drugs that aim to treat Alzheimer's by removing toxic proteins from the brain. While the drugs slow the disease down, the benefits are minor, and they have been rejected for widespread use by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (Nice).

In searching for alternatives, scientists at University College London say drug developers should focus on two risk-raising variants of a gene named Apoe. Therapies designed to block the variants' impact have “vast potential” for preventing the disease, the scientists claim.

Dr Dylan Williams, a genetic epidemiologist at UCL, said most cases would not arise without the contribution of the Apoe gene. “We need to think about it as a direct target. Almost all potential Alzheimer's cases could benefit from Apoe-related interventions,” he added.