by
Keith Loria, Reporter | June 30, 2008
Experimental Alzheimer's drug
is effective in patients
with the right gene
A new mid-stage study released by drug makers Wyeth and Elan Corp is showing that the experimental Alzheimer's disease drug bapineuzumab appears to be effective in some patients.
The study showed that in patients with a gene known to increase the risks of Alzheimer's--and of developing the disease at an earlier stage--the drug showed statistically significant clinical improvements. This did not occur in patients without the gene, who were at greater risk for fluid buildup in the brain, especially when taking the drug at higher doses.
The drug is designed to attack beta-amyloid. Many experts believe that a build-up of this substance in the brain causes Alzheimer's disease.
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Detailed results of the study are expected to be presented July 29 at the International Conference on Alzheimer's Disease in Chicago. The drug has received a fast-track designation from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, though it is expected that it will be at least two years before Wyeth and Elan apply for FDA approval of bapineuzumab, the Wall Street Journal reported.
