Novartis: Patch shows new approach to dementia treatment

Novartis has said its Exelon patches, used for the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease (AD), could improve the memory and activity of patients with the disease, which is the most common form of dementia.

The Swiss company revealed the results of a study of 1,195 patients with AD, which found that patients using the Exelon transdermal patch showed “significant” improvements in memory and were able to complete concentration tests 20 seconds faster than those taking the placebo.

Furthermore, some 70 per cent of caregivers said they preferred using Exelon patches to capsules because of ease of use and less interference in daily life.

Dr James Shannon, global head of development of Novartis Pharma, remarked: “Although AD treatments have been available in oral forms for some time, we believe a patch may offer unique advantages for patients with this condition.”

“If approved, the Exelon Patch could potentially improve therapy compliance and help patients and their caregivers in reaching a better quality of life,” he added.

Exelon has been widely used in over 70 countries for the treatment of AD since its launch in 1997. Novartis says it is the only cholinesterase inhibitor to be approved to treat both AD and dementia associated with Parkinson’s disease in the US and EU.

Novartis recently discussed NICE’s decision not to allow the prescription of cholinesterase inhibitors on the NHS for the treatment of mild, newly diagnosed AD with other companies affected by the decision, such as Shire and Eisai, along with the Alzheimer’s Society.

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