Elan and Wyeth to initiate phase III Bapineuzumab trials

Elan and Wyeth Pharmaceuticals have announced that they are to start a phase III clinical study of Bapineuzumab (AAB-001), as a therapy for mild to moderate Alzheimer’s disease patients.

The compound is a humanised monoclonal antibody that is being investigated as an immunotherapeutic drug candidate by the firm, having been awarded fast track status by the US Food and Drug Administration as recognition of its potential in meeting currently underserved medical needs.

Elan and Wyeth are involved in an equally-split immunotherapy programme to research, develop and market a number of compounds to treat mild to moderate forms of Alzheimer’s disease.

At present, there are two continuing phase II trials involving Bapineuzumab with endpoints of assessing safety and measuring cognition and quality of life, with results expected during 2008.

“This decision [to initiate a phase III trial] was based on the seriousness of the disease and the totality of what the companies have learned from their immunotherapy programs,” Elan reports.

The company added that this information includes interim data from the ongoing phase II clinical trials.

In September 2006, Elan announced the details of a partnership agreement with Transition Therapeutics for the development of a small molecule compound currently in phase I – AZD-103 – as a treatment for Alzheimer’s disease.