Scientists at Far East Federal University (FEFU) in Vladivostok have launched a preclinical trial phase for what they claim is a new drug to fight Alzheimer’s. Clinical trials are slated for next year, FEFU .

“The FEFU researchers have managed to develop a unique substance; its composition is not yet to be disclosed but it is known that similar solutions have been used in cardiovascular therapies to reduce the formation of thromboses,” the university said.

The scientists are reported to have discovered that their new drug candidate helps destroy amyloid plaques in the human brain; one of the medical hypotheses holds the accumulation of beta amyloid responsible for the development of Alzheimer’s which leads to severe problems with memorization, focus and other cognitive processes.

FEFU is conducting preclinical trials in partnership with ChemRar, an advanced biochemical research center just outside Moscow. By 2016, the partners expect to come up with a prototype of a drug fully ready for clinical trials.

Preclinical trials are being conducted on both platforms, in Vladivostok and at ChemRar’s in the Moscow region.

Alzheimer’s is a degenerative disease in the brain which dramatically reduces a patient’s mental abilities and is a form of dementia in the elderly, cutting one’s life short to seven-to-15 years maximum.