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Analysis shows booming Alzheimer’s disease drug development

Twenty-seven Alzheimer’s disease drugs in phase 3 clinical trials and eight drugs in phase 2 trials could launch in the next 5 years, according to data presented at the Alzheimer’s Association International Conference.

“The Alzheimer’s disease pipeline, marred by decades of failures and underinvestment, is due for big victories,” George Vradenburg, co-founder and chairman of UsAgainstAlzheimer’s, said in a press release. “Thanks to growing investment from industry leaders, we remain cautiously optimistic that the current crop of late-stage Alzheimer’s innovations will bring much-needed solutions to families in the near future.”

To characterize drug development in Alzheimer’s disease, ResearchersAgainstAlzheimer’s conducted interviews with company executives and analyzed publicly available information, Securities and Exchange Commission filings, company reports, medical conference presentations, and media coverage.

Their findings indicated 23 drugs in phase 2 and 3 trials targeting amyloid protein buildup in the brain and 28 drugs targeting neurotransmitter activity.

From 2016 to 2017, the number of phase 2 Alzheimer’s disease drugs increased by 18%, from 49 to 58 and phase 3 drugs increased by 7%, from 30 to 32.

Six Alzheimer’s disease drugs will conclude phase 3 trials in 2017.

“Alzheimer’s is commonly misdiagnosed, and the United States suffers from a shortage of geriatricians — issues that will only grow as the Baby Boomer generation ages,” Vradenburg said in the release. “Private- and public-sector leaders will need to work closely with insurers in the coming years to ensure patients have access to these drugs when they are available.” – by Amanda Oldt

Reference:

ResearchersAgainstAlzheimer’s. Alzheimer’s drugs in development pipeline. Presented at: Alzheimer’s Association International Conference; July 16-20, 2017; London.