Experimental Alzheimer’s drug shows some benefit

Eli Lilly & Co. reported earlier today that an experimental medication might slow mild Alzheimer’s if people take it early enough. The drug is one of a handful in late-stage testing in the frustrating hunt for a better treatment. The new findings don’t prove that Lilly’s solanezumab really works; a larger study is underway that won’t end until late 2016. Researchers at the Alzheimer’s Association International Conference updated ongoing research into Lilly’s effort, and those of two competitors, aiming to fight Alzheimer’s by targeting amyloid, a sticky protein that clogs the brain.

These are not definitive reports that are going to lead to medications being approved tomorrow. What they represent is an important foundation for us moving forward.

David Knopman, MD, of the Mayo Clinic

There are a few candidate drugs being trialed: solanezumab, gantenerumab and aducanumab. While some patients showed signs of less amyloid in their brains, slowing mental decline and cognitive decline, it’s going to take more time to figure out if this approach works. However, scientists think it’s still the right target despite high-profile failures in recent years.

Our hope is that slowing will be increasingly noticeable over time.

Paul Aisen, MD, of the University of Southern California

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