Takeda study shows potential of new Alzheimer’s biomarker algorithm

Takeda and Zinfandel Pharmaceuticals have reported data from a new study that shows the potential benefits of a new biomarker algorithm for Alzheimer's disease.

The companies have completed a performance characteristics trial of a genetics-based biomarker risk assignment algorithm for identifying risks of mild cognitive impairment due to Alzheimer's disease.

It revealed that the algorithm provided positive and negative predictive values in the range of 70 to 80 percent, comparing favourably with imaging and cerebrospinal fluid-based biomarkers.

The biomarker risk assignment algorithm will now be evaluated as a predictor of the risk of cognitively normal individuals developing cognitive impairment due to Alzheimer's in the next five years in a phase III trial.

Dr Stephen Brannan, central nervous system development therapeutic area head at Takeda, said: "When it comes to Alzheimer's disease treatment, the unmet need here is huge. We are very excited about these results."

The company also announced this week that it has been included in the FTSE4Good Global Index for the ninth consecutive year.