Pharm'Up 
Stroke ranks as the second leading cause of death globally, trailing only heart disease. A breakthrough in stroke treatment has emerged from a research team led by Associate Professor Hidemitsu Nakajima of Osaka Metropolitan University’s Graduate School of Veterinary Science. The team has created a drug that targets a protein linked to neuron death in the brain, offering new possibilities for patients.
The multifunctional protein GAPDH (glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase) plays a role in the progression of numerous challenging brain and nervous system disorders. To address this, the team developed GAI-17, an inhibitor that prevents GAPDH aggregation. In experiments with mice modeling acute strokes, GAI-17 significantly reduced brain cell death and paralysis compared to untreated counterparts.
Notably, GAI-17 demonstrated a favorable safety profile, showing no significant adverse effects on the heart or cerebrovascular system. Additionally, the drug proved effective even when given to mice six hours after a stroke occurred.
Associate Professor Nakajima commented, “The GAPDH aggregation inhibitor we have developed holds promise as a versatile treatment for various intractable neurological conditions, including Alzheimer’s disease.” He added, “Our next steps involve testing this approach in additional disease models beyond stroke, advancing practical research to support a healthier, longer-lived society.”
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