Studying the pathology and learning to treat Alzheimer's disease - from model to drug target
The team Molecular Psychiatry focusses on the basis of Alzheimer’s disease, its etiology, identification of influencing factors and the development of novel drug targets. We are studying the molecular triggers causing neuron loss and the consequences of the cellular loss on learning and memory deficits in the animal model, including which molecular processes are involved. One major focus is the development of therapeutic antibodies and their validation as potential drugs to fight Alzheimer’s disease.
Selection of research projects
MBM ScienceBridge GmbH, Georg-August-University Göttingen, University Medical Center (UMG) and MRC Technology (2017 renamed in LifeArc), a UK medical research charity, are collaborating on a new therapy for neurodegenerative diseases.
MBM ScienceBridge GmbH, Georg-August-University Göttingen, University Medical Center and LifeArc, a UK medical research charity, have signed an exclusive license agreement for the development of a novel therapy for neurodegenerative diseases based on antibody targeting N-truncated amyloid beta peptides. The aim is to develop a therapy for Alzheimer's Disease (AD).
The license negotiated by MBM ScienceBridge GmbH, the technology transfer organization of the Georg-August-Universität Göttingen, will enable UMG to access the world-class antibody humanization expertise of LifeArc’s Centre for Therapeutics Discovery and the work of its Therapeutic Antibody Group, led by Dr. David Matthews and gives LifeArc the opportunity to use its renowned capability to take lab tool compounds and turn them into clinical candidates, which will then be licensed to the pharmaceutical and biotech industry.
LifeArc receives an exclusive worldwide license to the IP rights of UMG related to a novel therapeutic approach for the treatment of sporadic and familial AD, based on a panel of unique antibodies developed by its scientist Prof. Dr. Thomas Bayer. LifeArc and UMG will then receive downstream payments dependent on the successful development and out-licensing of the antibody. This income will be used for further research within the organisations.
Prizes and awards received by Thomas Bayer
- 2018; Hans Heimann Award of the German Society for Psychiatry and Psychotherapy together with Dr. Julius Meissner.
- 2016; Innovation Award of the Göttingen District "Sonderpreis Wissenschaft: Der letzte Schritt zu einem Alzheimer-Wirkstoff".
- 2015; Hans Heimann Award of the German Association for Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics together with Dr. Yvonne Bouter.
- 2014; Innovation Award of the Göttingen District "Sonderpreis Wissenschaft: Auf dem Weg zu einem Alzheimer-Wirkstoff".
- 2001; 2004, 2014; Research Awards of the Alzheimer Forschungsinitiative e.V.
- 2012; Hans Heimann Award of the German Association for Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics together with Dr. Vivek Venkataramani.
- 2011; Innovation Award of the Göttingen District "Sonderpreis Wissenschaft und Bildung: Passive Immunisierung als Therapie für die Alzheimer Demenz
- 2010; Award for "Life time achievements in Alzheimer disease and copper research" of the International Copper Association.
- 2006; Research Award of the European Copper Institute
- 2005 + 2007; Research Awards of the International Copper Association
- 2004; Research Award of "Freunde der Universitätskliniken Homburg"
- 2000; NARSAD Young Investigator Award (National Alliance for Research on Schizophrenia and Affective Disorders).