The results of a large-scale clinical trial of a new Alzheimer's drug have been positive.
The companies announced the trial's success in a press release on Tuesday.
More than 1,700 patients with early-stage Alzheimer's were randomly selected to receive a placebo or lecanemab. Their cognitive decline was measured on six fronts: memory, orientation, judgment and problem solving, community affairs, home and hobbies, and personal care.
Lecanemab reduced clinical decline over the 18-month period.
Lecanemab is a treatment that targets toxic amyloid plaques, which are believed to be the cause of Alzheimer's disease.
Around 21% of patients who received the lecanemab treatment had brain swelling that was visible on the scans, according to the companies.
"Today's announcement gives patients and their families hope that lecanemab, if approved, can potentially slow the progression of Alzheimer's disease and provide a clinically meaningful impact on cognitive and function," said Mr. Vounatsos.
The success of the lecanemab study was an important milestone for the company, according to the press release.
The company is aiming to submit its trial data to the FDA by March of next year.
The FDA is likely to approve lecanemab, according to an Alzheimer's expert. Schneider warned that experts would need to look into the trial results more closely.
The treatment effect of the study is small, according to Schneider.
The results are a first step in the direction of making a significant impact on the disease.
"This is great news for the field," he said. It's going to encourage more beneficial research down the road.
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