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IPFS News Link • Drugs and Medications

Alzheimer's Drug Shows Some Promise in Trials

• http://www.bio-medicine.org, HealthDay News
 Drug maker Eli Lilly & Co. announced Friday that solanezumab did not slow mental decline in each of two phase 3 clinical trials, but when the data from the two studies was combined a statistically significant and positive effect was seen. This effect seemed to be concentrated in patients with mild cases of Alzheimer's, the company said.

"We recognize that the solanezumab studies did not meet their primary endpoints, but we are encouraged by the pooled data that appear to show a slowing of cognitive [thinking/memory] decline," Lilly chairman, CEO and president John Lechleiter said in a company news release.

Because neither trial met its hoped-for main goal, U.S. Food and Drug Administration approval may still be a ways off, experts noted. But Lilly said it plans to continue to study the drug and, in the meantime, Lechleiter said the company "will discuss these data with regulatory authorities to gain their insights on potential next steps."

In a statement, the Alzheimer's Association said extending the trial is good news because "people who were in the phase 3 trials will have an opportunity to continue taking the drug. This will give us further insight into the effects of this drug over a longer period of time."


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