Accumulation of the (beta)-amyloid peptide (A(beta)) in the brain is implicated as the primary cause of neurodegeneration and progression of Alzheimer's disease. BACE is a promising therapeutic target as this protease initiates the first step in A(beta) production. Cayman's BACE Inhibitor Screening Assay Kit provides a convenient method for screening human BACE inhibitors. The assay utilizes a synthetic Swedish mutant APP peptide (EVNLDAEF) that has been linked to a fluorophore (EDANS) at one end and to a quenching agent (Dabcyl) at the other. After cleavage by BACE, the product (peptide-EDANS) is brightly fluorescent with excitation and emission peaks at 335-345 nm and 485-510 nm, respectively.