Here is a breakdown of how Alzheimer’s disease research is progressing despite the latest setback, according to The Wall Street Journal.
- Researchers will look to better understand the biology of Alzheimer’s. Biogen and Eisai were attempting to develop a drug to target Beta amyloid, a substance long-known to accumulate in the brains of people with Alzheimer’s. Drugs targeting Beta amyloid repeatedly have failed. As a result, researchers are trying to better understand the biology of Alzheimer’s to explore the use of drugs with alternative mechanisms of action.
- Plaque-targeting drugs will continue to be tested. The industry will not give up on targeting Beta-amyloid plaque buildup, because data showing that the plaque plays a role in the disease and are too strong to abandon. The day after Biogen and Eisai disclosed failure of one of their drugs, they announced they were beginning a late-stage trial of another drug aimed at clearing the plaque.
- Smaller companies approaching Alzheimer’s. Denali Therapeutics, a startup in South San Francisco, is developing a drug that targets inflammation to treat the disease. Alector, a South San Francisco-based company, is working on a drug to slow or reverse the deterioration of neurons in the brains of Alzheimer’s patients by improving the brain’s immune system.
- Research funding. The National Institutes of Health is planning to fund about $2.3 billion in Alzheimer’s research this year, up from about $1.9 billion in 2018. Leslie Norins, PhD, a former infectious disease researcher, and his wife are offering a $1 million prize to anyone who can find evidence that an infectious agent may be the cause or contribute to Alzheimer’s.
More articles on pharmacy:
10 hospitals seeking pharmacy leadership
Patent protection clause is latest stumbling block for revised NAFTA
Dr. Reddy’s legal win expected to lower cost of opioid addiction treatment
Becker’s 3rd Annual Fall Chief Pharmacy Officer Summit is the top tier event that the people leading the future of pharmacy convene. This 3-day event is built specifically for Chief Pharmacy Officers and senior pharmacy leaders. The sessions examine the workforce, financial and clinical priorities shaping pharmacy today. Becker’s is where candid discussions flourish and new ideas thrive. Becker's 3rd Annual Fall Chief Pharmacy Officer Summit
