[extropy-chat] memory enhancer drug on the way

[Damien Broderick]

Maybe this is old news, I've forgotten:

http://www.theage.com.au/articles/2004/03/07/1078594235091.html


A drug ... that enables people to improve their memory is to be tested on 
humans and could be on sale within five years.

Tim Tully, a professor of genetics at Cold Spring Harbour Laboratory in New 
York, who developed the drug, said: "If it proves safe and effective it 
could ultimately be used by people who want to learn a language or a 
musical instrument or even in schools." The most important market, however, 
could be healthy people in their 40s and 50s whose memory was deteriorating.

The drug, code-named HT-0712, helps to retain information in the short-term 
memory. It works by activating a gene contained in every human cell. Once 
activated, it allows brain cells to make the connections vital for memory 
formation.

In many people, these memory-forming processes slow with age, leading to 
forgetfulness.

This summer, 100 people in the United States with mild memory loss will 
receive the drug to test its safety and efficacy. Professor Tully hopes it 
will help patients to develop improved memories and will compensate for 
damage done by the early stages of dementia. If the study is successful, 
larger trials will be carried out with the aim of producing the drug 
commercially within five to seven years. [etc]