The translational research team led by Dr. Chun-Jung Lin and Dr. Yijuang Chern has developed a novel drug for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease and other neurodegenerative disorders, which has been approved by the U.S. FDA for a Phase I clinical trial.
Alzheimer's disease is a prevalent neurodegenerative disorder in aging societies, with only a limited number of available drugs, none of which significantly alter disease progression. The new drug, J4, developed by Dr. Chern's team, is a novel inhibitor of the Equilibrative Nucleoside Transporter 1 (ENT1), designed to improve brain energy homeostasis. Preclinical studies have shown promising results, with J4 demonstrating strong efficacy and excellent safety. J4 is expected to offer superior therapeutic benefits compared to existing treatments, providing Alzheimer's patients with better treatment options and improved quality of life.