Lilly to enrol patients in solanezumab clinical trials

Lilly is set to enrol 2,000 patients from 16 countries ? including the UK ? in phase III clinical trials of solanezumab.

The anti-amyloid beta monoclonal antibody, which was previously known as LY2062430, is being examined to see how effectively it can delay mild to moderate Alzheimer’s disease.

Individuals aged 55 and over will take part in one of two trials ? Expedition or Expedition 2.

The latter investigation will take place across some European countries, as well as Australia, Korea, Japan, Russia, Taiwan and the US.

Dr Eric Siemers, medical director of the company’s Alzheimer’s disease research department, explained results from phase II studies of solanezumab suggested it could slow the rate of the illness developing.

He noted: “Current therapies available to treat Alzheimer’s disease may help with symptoms, but they haven’t been proven to change the disease progression.”

Earlier this week, Lilly presented data about the efficacy and safety of olanzapine long-acting injection for adults with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder at the American Psychiatric Association Annual Meeting.