Greek researchers develop RSQ-020 molecule that reverses memory loss in Alzheimer models

Scientists headed by Giorgos Skretas have engineered a novel compound called RSQ-020 that, in animal studies, rescued learning and memory deficits linked to Alzheimer’s disease. The drug works by binding to the Tau protein, whose abnormal folding and aggregation drive many neurodegenerative conditions. The discovery arose from a platform that uses genetically modified bacteria to produce billions of candidate molecules while emitting a green light when a faulty protein regains a normal shape.

This method allowed rapid identification of active compounds inside living cells, bypassing lengthy in-vitro screens. The project was a collaboration among the Alexander Fleming Biomedical Sciences Research Centre, the National Hellenic Research Foundation and the biotech spin-off ResQ Biotech. While originally aimed at ALS-related proteins, the technology could be applied to a range of disorders such as Parkinson’s and other Tau-linked diseases.