Biogen Idec Inc, Cambridge, Mass, says aducanumab, its new Alzheimer's drug under development shows signs of slowing the decline of a small number of patients with early indications and mild cases of the disease, according to The Boston Globe.
The company says its testing yielded "statistically significant" evidence the drug slows the decline of certain patients and reduced amyloid plaque in the brain (implicated in the development of Alzheimer's symptoms).
Biogen says it plans to advance the drug compound to late-stage clinical trials, with FDA approval, and would start to enroll patients later this year.
The newspaper reports the company presented more detailed study results at the International Conference on Alzheimer's and Parkinson's Diseases and Related Neurological Disorders.
Pharma giant Eli Lilly & Co is also working on an experimental drug for the disease.
More than 5 million Americans suffer from Alzheimer's. Treatments are available to help mitigate symptoms, but there is presently no cure for the disease.
[Source: The Boston Globe]
