Dublin-based Elan Corporation and Wyeth Pharmaceuticals today announced that they will initiate a Phase 3 clinical program of a drug that is being developed to treat Alzheimer's disease.
The drug Bapineuzumab (AAB-001) is being developed for the treatment of patients with mild to moderate Alzheimer's Disease.
Phase three of the drug tests will begin in the second half of this year. The results of Phase two are expected to be released next year.
Elan said in a statement this morning that "It is important to remember that Alzheimer's disease is a complex and formidable challenge, and our immunotherapeutic programs still contain inherent risks".
There are two ongoing phase two studies with the drug currently taking place. The first phase two trial is a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled test involving 240 patients with mild to moderate Alzheimer's disease. The objective of this trial is to assess the safety of the drug. Each subject's participation in the trial lasts around 18 months and their cognitive and funtional abilities are also tested during the trial period.
According to the Alzheimer Society of Ireland, Alzheimer's Disease is a "progressive neurological condition characterised by the build up of proteins in the brain called 'plaques' and 'tangles'. These proteins gradually damage and eventually destroy the nerve cells". Symptoms of the disease include difficulty remembering, reasoning and using language. The person may alo become confused and disorientated and have difficulty with every day tasks such as using the phone or using money. More than 35,000 people have dementia in this country, of which Alzheimer's is the most common form.