Another Failure In Search For Treatment To Slow Alzheimer ’ s

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — An experimental treatment for Alzheimer’s failed again in a widely anticipated study, disappointing many who had hoped Eli Lilly had finally found a way to slow the progression of the mind-robbing disease. The drug did not work better than a placebo treatment in a study of 2,100 people with mild Alzheimer’s, the company announced Wednesday. “We’re incredibly saddened by the news,” said Maria Carrillo, chief science officer of the Alzheimer’s Association, who was not involved in Lilly’s research. “There was a lot of hope for this avenue, this approach.” SOLANEZUMAB EXPECTATIONS Alzheimer’s experts had modest expectations for the drug, called solanezumab (sol-ah-NAYZ-uh-mab). It had already failed in two large studies in people with mild-to-moderate forms of the disease. Combined results, however, suggested that the drug might work for those with the mildest symptoms. Lilly started another study, testing monthly infusions of the drug for 18 months in those patients. The drug binds to a protein called amyloid beta that builds up in the brains of Alzheimer’s patients. The drug clears the protein from the brain before it can clump together to form a sticky plaque between nerve cells. Researchers think the protein triggers the degenerative disease, which impairs memory and thought. Amyloid still plays some role, and it’s premature to abandon the notion of targeting it, said a specialist wh...
Source: WBZ-TV - Breaking News, Weather and Sports for Boston, Worcester and New Hampshire - Category: Consumer Health News Authors: Tags: Health Local News Alzheimer's Disease Solanezumab Source Type: news