Eli Lilly and Co. (LLY) Friday said that the two late-stage studies of its experimental Alzheimer's drug solanezumab failed to meet primary end points. Nevertheless, the drug maker said the treatment significantly slowed off cognitive decline in patients with mild form of Alzheimer's disease.
The two late stage trials, called Expedition 1 and Expedition 2, tested the experimental drug in 2,050 patients with mild-to-moderate Alzheimer's disease, compared with placebo. The trial was carried out in 16 countries for a duration of 18 months.
A pre-specified secondary analysis across both studies showed a statistically significant slowing of cognitive decline in patients with mild Alzheimer's disease, but not in patients with moderate Alzheimer's disease, the company said in a statement.
Chief Executive John Lechleiter said, "We recognize that the solanezumab studies did not meet their primary endpoints, but we are encouraged by the pooled data that appear to show a slowing of cognitive decline. We intend to discuss these data with regulatory authorities to gain their insights on potential next steps."
Patients treated with drug also experienced significantly more adverse events like lethargy, rash, malaise and angina, compared to placebo group.
Earlier this month, Pfizer Inc. (PFE) and Johnson & Johnson (JNJ) halted all clinical trials of its experimental Alzheimer's drug bapineuzumab, after several clinical trials failed to halt or slow the onset of the disease.
Alzheimer's disease is the most common form of dementia and causes progressive decline in memory and other aspects of cognition. Experts believes that as many as 5.4 million Americans may have Alzheimer's disease.
LLY is currently trading at $43.52, up $1.11 or 2.62%, on a volume of 33 million shares, on the NYSE.
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