New drug mimics red wine effects

LONDON, Aug. 9 (UPI) -- A British pharmaceutical company says it has begun human trials of a compound that mimics the effects of a drug found in red wine.

Researchers have found that mice given resveratrol, which is found on the skin of red grapes, had stronger bones, better balance and coordination and less heart disease. But humans need to take large doses -- the equivalent of 1,000 bottles of wine a day -- to get those benefits.

Sirtris Pharmaceuticals says it has found a compound of two drugs that bring the same benefits in smaller doses, The Daily Mail reported. Researchers believe that the drug might also help prevent Alzheimer's disease and cancer.

The compound has been studied in mice and rats.

Sirtris executives say that the drug might be ready for market within five years.