Lilly, AstraZeneca End Trials Early
(Image courtesy of Eli Lilly and Co.)
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As a subscriber you can listen to articles at work, in the car, or while you work out. Subscribe NowA series of trials for a potential Alzheimer’s disease treatment being tested by Indianapolis-based Eli Lilly and Co. (NYSE: LLY) and AstraZeneca has been called off. The companies have accepted the recommendation of an independent data monitoring committee to discontinue late-stage trials of lanabecestat. The committee concluded trials involving participants in early stages of the disease and mild cases of the disease, as well as a related extension trial, would all be unlikely to meet primary endpoints.
Lilly Research Labs President Daniel Skovronsky says "the complexity of Alzheimer’s disease poses one of the most difficult medical challenges of our time, and we are deeply disappointed for the millions suffering from this devastating disease. We are grateful for the contributions of the study participants and their families and encourage them to consider other Alzheimer’s disease clinical trials. Lilly remains dedicated to Alzheimer’s disease research as we have been for the last three decades. We won’t give up on finding a solution for Alzheimer’s patients."
In a press release, the companies point out the studies were not stopped based on safety concerns. Lilly says the discontinuation decision is not expected to create "significant costs."
AstraZeneca IMED Biotech Unit Executive Vice President Menelas Pangalos says "we are saddened by this outcome as our researchers are working tirelessly to find a solution for the many people who are impacted by this devastating disease. We are committed to ensuring our findings can be used to inform further research in the Alzheimer’s community, given the importance of finding a treatment for this disease."
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