A novel drug that breaks down vascular collagen bond in the body significantly decreased the stiffness of blood vessels in older non-human primates, according to a study by the national Institute on Aging scientists and others. The finding suggests it could be a new treatment for high blood pressure, heart failure and certain vascular complications of diabetes.
ALT-711, produced by Alteon, a thiazolium-based compound, snips bonds or cross-links created in the arteries and other tissues when glucose attaches to collagen. Cross-links are cable-like structures that inhibit the natural flexibility of collagen strands. They tend to increase with age and appear to toughen tissue and may cause some of the deterioration associated with aging and diabetes.
But they added that further research is needed to confirm the findings.