In the medical field, sometimes drugs that were developed to treat one condition may be used treat other conditions as well. In some cases, the drugs don’t even work for their original intended purpose. Famously, erectile dysfunction drug Viagra (sildenafil citrate) was originally intended to help reduce blood pressure. Scientists discovered that it didn’t function as expected for blood pressure, but had an interesting side effect. Millions of men who have used it since are probably quite happy about that particular side effect.
On a more serious note, researchers at the University of Southern California recently discovered that a drug being developed to help treat stroke patients might also prevent Alzheimer’s disease. When used in genetically
Alzheimer’s disease is caused by the buildup of toxic amyloid-beta peptides in the brain. This causes neurodegeneration and reduced blood flow. As I mentioned in my last post, Alzheimer’s disease is heartbreaking to witness. The signs are often subtle at first, but then larger and larger portions of the person disappear.
Mice are obviously not humans, and not all drugs that work in mice are equally effective in humans. While it is far too soon to celebrate a major victory in the fight against Alzheimer’s disease, particularly with only one published study, I consider groundbreaking medical research to be one of the most exciting parts of working in medicine.
The medical field has advanced so much since its inception. Medical science has made all our lives so much better. Potential innovations like 3K3A-APC remind me of how far we have yet to go, which I find hopeful rather than depressing. Human innovation is limitless, and there are so many discoveries yet to come that will benefit our descendants in ways we couldn’t even imagine.
