Experimental Alzheimer’s drug significantly slowed patients’ cognitive decline, buoying hopes for treatment

JULY 25, 2018

Experimental Alzheimer’s drug significantly slowed cognitive decline

In a large clinical trial, Biogen and Eisai's experimental Alzheimer's drug significantly slowed patients' cognitive decline and had a dramatic effect on amyloid buildup in the brain. After 18 months, patients on the drug performed 30 percent better on a cognitive test than those on placebo. Neurologists — who've seen many promising therapies flop in clinical trials — were surprised by the results, which were revealed at the Alzheimer's Association meeting in Chicago. The big caveats: The phase 2 trial still failed its primary goal, only the highest dose beat the placebo, and that dose was tested in just 161 patients. It's not clear yet whether the companies will run a larger study or seek early approval.

Have questions about the results? STAT's Damian Garde is hosting a chat for STAT Plus subscribers at 10 a.m. today, joined by Dr. Howard Fillit of the Alzheimer's Drug Discovery Foundation. Sign up here.