Forest announces positive Namenda results

Forest Laboratories has announced the publication of new data highlighting the positive result of Namenda (memantine HCl) once-daily extended-release formulation as a treatment for Alzheimer’s disease.

The phase III data was presented at the International Conference on Alzheimer’s Disease from the Alzheimer’s Association.

Researchers in the trial assessed the efficacy, safety and tolerability of the compound compared to placebo in moderate-to-severe Alzheimer’s disease patients already being treated with chrolinesterase inhibitors donepezil, galantamine or rivastigmine.

Patients administered with Namenda showed significant improvements in cognitive performance and global clinical status.

They also experienced significant improvements in behavioural symptoms and verbal fluency when compared to placebo.

George Grossberg, director of geriatric psychiatry at Saint Louis University School of Medicine, said: “These findings reinforce the safety, tolerability and efficacy of memantine in a newly-developed once-a-day formulation.”

He added that while there is no cure to treat or prevent Alzheimer’s disease, drugs exist to alleviate symptoms and provide patients with behavioural, cognitive and functional benefits.

In February 2008, Forest Laboratories announced positive preliminary results of a phase III study of Namenda, with patients taking the drug showing benefits in cognition and clinical global status.