P2D Biosciences was given $300,000 to develop novel compounds based on the drug thalidominde, which will aim to either prevent or slow neuronal cell death in AD.
In the past, it's been shown that the drug blocks the tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) protein, which many believe plays a role in the condition.
The grant was made possible by the Alzheimer's Drug Discovery Foundation (ADDF), a public charity dedicated to finding new medications for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease.
"A compound that could block TNF in the brain could potentially modify the course of AD progression," said Dr Howard Fillit, executive director of ADDF.
Late last month, ADDF awarded a grant to Varinel, Inc for the development of another drug that may treat AD, as well as Parkinson's disease, Huntington's disease and ALS.
An estimated 5.2 million people in the U.S. are currently living with Alzheimer's disease. By 2030, it's estimated the number of individuals age 65 and older with the disease will reach 7.7 million.
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