Neurology

Worm and mouse studies suggest promoting NAD+ synthesis could help treat AD. In a worm model of AD, the NAD+ precursor nicotinamide riboside or the PARP inhibitor Lynparza olaparib, which blocks PARP-mediated ADP-ribosylation of NAD+, increased survival compared with vehicle. In a mouse model of AD, nicotinamide riboside decreased the number of plaques in the cortex and increased contextual memory compared with no treatment. Next steps include identifying other compounds that promote NAD+ synthesis (see “After Amyloid.” BioCentury Innovations (Jan. 18, 2018)).

AstraZeneca plc and Merck & Co. Inc. market Lynparza olaparib for ovarian cancer and have the compound approved for breast cancer and in Phase III testing for pancreatic cancer, Phase II testing for gastric cancer, prostate cancer, and solid tumors and Phase I testing for glioblastoma...