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Could research in β-secretase ensure that Grace always remembers her wedding day?

In the search for a treatment for Alzheimer’s disease, ß-amyloid could hold the key to the disease’s pathology. This small peptide is the major component of senile plaques and is generated from a larger precursor protein by two cleavage events catalysed by ß-secretase and γ-secretase.

The discovery of ß-secretase by GlaxoSmithKline scientists and a number of industrial & academic research groups in 1999 was a major step forward in the search for potential therapeutics.

The ongoing challenge facing our neurology drug discovery research team is to search for specific, potent and brain-penetrant inhibitors of ß-secretase. But in the process, our dedicated research scientists have solved the crystal structure of many different inhibitor-enzyme complexes, whilst also exploring the basic biology of the enzyme.

We seek both to allay the symptoms of Alzheimer's and to address its fundamental causes. But this isn’t something we can achieve alone, which is why we have established collaborative projects with key academic research laboratories.

Our goal is to help people like Grace hold on to their memories and enjoy a happier, healthier life. That's why we need people like you, if we’re to further our understanding of the disease and evaluate potential therapeutics. Take some time to learn about our research, our people and what opportunities GSK offers you.