Setback for Alzheimer’s research

Advice from an independent data monitoring committee has led to Biogen and Eisai having to cease their phase 3 Alzheimer’s disease candidate, aducanumab, which had shown some signs that it could slow the progression of Alzheimer’s’ disease in some patients. Aducanumab targets soluble amyloid, and had been due for its phase 3 read out in 2020, but the futility study means the trial will be stopped. Biogen and Eisai have a similar candidate, BAN2401, being studied in prodromal and mild Alzheimer’s patients, but there are now questions over its future.

Michel Vounatsos, Biogen’s CEO, said: “This disappointing news confirms the complexity of treating Alzheimer’s disease and the need to further advance knowledge in neuroscience.  We are incredibly grateful to all the Alzheimer’s disease patients, their families and the investigators who participated in the trials and contributed greatly to this research. Biogen’s history has been based on pioneering innovation, learning from successes and setbacks.  Driven by our steadfast commitment to patients and our strong business foundation, we will continue advancing our pipeline of potential therapies in Alzheimer’s disease and innovative medicines for patients suffering from diseases of high unmet need.”