Learning the lessons of failed trials in mild, moderate and severe Alzheimer's disease, Novartis is planning to study two new treatments on patients who are yet to show any symptoms, hoping to succeed where many others have slipped and delay the onset of the memory-destroying ailment.
In collaboration with the Banner Alzheimer's Institute, Novartis plans to study whether its two treatments--an immunotherapy and a BACE inhibitor--can prevent the buildup of amyloid proteins, considered by many to be a cause of Alzheimer's development. The first treatment, an injectable called CAD106, is designed spur the immune system's natural development of amyloid-blocking antibodies and is in Phase II on its own. The second drug, yet to enter clinical trials, is an oral inhibitor of an enzyme tied to amyloid production.
The plan is to recruit more than 1,300 cognitively healthy adults who have two copies of the APoE4 gene, which increases their risk of developing the disease. Participants will get either CAD106, the BACE inhibitor or placebo, and Novartis hopes to get started next year, pending regulatory approval.
In collaboration with the Banner Alzheimer's Institute, Novartis plans to study whether its two treatments--an immunotherapy and a BACE inhibitor--can prevent the buildup of amyloid proteins, considered by many to be a cause of Alzheimer's development. The first treatment, an injectable called CAD106, is designed spur the immune system's natural development of amyloid-blocking antibodies and is in Phase II on its own. The second drug, yet to enter clinical trials, is an oral inhibitor of an enzyme tied to amyloid production.
The plan is to recruit more than 1,300 cognitively healthy adults who have two copies of the APoE4 gene, which increases their risk of developing the disease. Participants will get either CAD106, the BACE inhibitor or placebo, and Novartis hopes to get started next year, pending regulatory approval.
