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From symptomatic treatments to causative therapy?
1Novartis Respiratory Research Centre, Wimblehurst Road, Horsham, West Sussex, RH12 5AB, UK. paul.whittaker@pharma.novartis.com
Abstract:
The search for genes that predispose individuals to develop common chronic diseases such as asthma, diabetes and Alzheimer's promises to give insights into their molecular pathogenesis. This will lead to the development of therapies that modulate the pathology, rather than the physiology of these diseases. As academia and the pharmaceutical industry increasingly focus on this challenge, the genetic dissection of Alzheimer's is spearheading attempts to shift the therapeutic paradigm away from symptomatic to curative treatments.
Insights
Identifying genes linked to chronic diseases like Alzheimer's offers new therapeutic approaches. This research aims to move beyond symptom management towards curative treatments for complex conditions.
Area of Science:
- Genetics
- Molecular Pathogenesis
- Chronic Diseases
Background:
- Common chronic diseases like asthma, diabetes, and Alzheimer's have complex origins.
- Understanding genetic predispositions is crucial for disease insights.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore genes that predispose individuals to common chronic diseases.
- To advance the understanding of molecular pathogenesis for these conditions.
- To shift therapeutic paradigms from symptomatic to curative treatments, particularly for Alzheimer's disease.
Main Methods:
- Genetic dissection of complex diseases.
- Focus on identifying disease-predisposing genes.
- Interdisciplinary research involving academia and the pharmaceutical industry.
Main Results:
- Insights into the molecular pathogenesis of chronic diseases.
- Potential for developing therapies that modulate disease pathology.
- Alzheimer's genetic research is leading the shift towards curative strategies.
Conclusions:
- Genetic research is key to understanding and treating chronic diseases.
- A focus on pathology offers a path to curative therapies.
- The paradigm shift in Alzheimer's treatment is driven by genetic discoveries.