Researchers at Scottish BioMedical have identified a novel protein linked to the progression of Alzheimer’s disease, thus paving the way towards a novel therapy for the condition within the next 10 years and potentially a cure, they say.

Scientists have determined that lower levels of a novel protein could hold the key to development of the disease. Whereas treatment of Alzheimer’s disease to date has targeted the symptoms, this discovery is believed to alleviate the problem by tackling the root cause. Scottish Biomedical has developed and patented a test that will identify new drugs to boost the activity of the protein. Dr. Stephen Hammond, chief executive at Scottish Biomedical feels confident that this discovery “will lead to an effective Alzheimer’s treatment within the next ten years."