A synthetic analog of epothilone has shown promise as a possible treatment to slow neurological damage and improve brain function in an animal model of Alzheimer's disease.

Epothilones are microtubule-stabilizing agents with potential anti-neoplastic actions. They are natural macrolides that have high potency in both taxane-sensitive and taxane-resistant models. Epothilone D is a desoxy form of epothilone B (Cay-10924) that inhibits the growth of a variety of cancer cells both in vitro...