Fasudil had been shown to improve memory in rats and promote degradation of toxic tau in cultured human neurons and the eyes of fruit flies. Its mechanism appears that it inhibits the Rho-associated protein kinases ROCK1 and ROCK2 and in this way stimulates degradation of toxic tau by way of autophagy. There are no mediations approved to treat diseases of tau such as frontotemporal dementia.
Fasudil has been approved for 20 years as a vasodilator in Japan and China to prevent the cramping shut of blood vessels following brain surgery. Several research groups are studying it and related molecules as therapeutics for Alzheimer’s, FTD, Parkinson’s, and ALS, whereas other scientists caution about side effects. A legal dispute between the Japanese drug maker and a Swiss company have not helped its availability in North America, and its patent is about to expire. Read Amber Dance’s reporting.
About UsFounded in 1996, Alzforum is a news and information resource website dedicated to helping researchers accelerate discovery and advance development of diagnostics and treatments for Alzheimer’s disease and related disorders.
Our site expands the traditional mode of scientific communication by reporting the latest scientific findings and industry news with insightful analysis that puts breaking news into context. We advance research by developing open-access databases of curated, highly specific scientific content to visualize and facilitate the exploration of complex data. Alzforum is a platform to disseminate the evolving knowledge around basic, translational, and clinical research in the field of AD.
Alzforum is supported by a team with backgrounds in science, journalism, information technology, design, and data science. Together with a distinguished Scientific Advisory Board, and the active participation of a global network of scientists, we strive to produce unbiased content to a rigorous editorial standard.
Alzforum is operated by the Biomedical Research Forum (BRF) LLC. BRF is a wholly owned subsidiary of FMR LLC. FMR LLC and its affiliates invest broadly in many companies, including life sciences and pharmaceutical companies.Alzforum does not endorse any specific product or scientific approach.
RSS