Eli Lilly says that it has stopped testing on a new Alzheimer's treatment because of potential damage to kidneys. The product, known as LY2886721, was in the second phase of FDA testing when researchers discovered abnormalities in the livers of some test subjects.
The decision is a devastating blow to Lilly's continued search for an oral treatment to slow the effects of Alzheimer's. The drug was amidst a class of drugs aimed at blocking beta secretase protiens in the brain. These drugs, known widely as BASE inhibitors, are viewed largely as the best hope for a breakthrough treatment.
This latest setback could drop Lilly behind competitors including Merck & Co., Roche Holding AG and Eisai Co. Ltd, all of whom are also racing to develop a similar product. According to the Wall Street Journal, analysts predict such a drug could bring a huge payday with anticipated sales over $3 billion annually.
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