AstraZeneca and Eli Lilly start critical clinical trial for Alzheimer's drugs

AstraZeneca and Eli Lilly and Company have begun a crucial clinical trials for AZD3293, an oral potent small molecule inhibitor of beta secretase cleaving enzyme (BACE), targeted at Alzheimer’s disease. Both the companies have announced on December 1, 2014, the enrolment of the first patient into Amaranth, a Phase II/III study of an oral BACE inhibitor currently in development as a potential treatment for Alzheimer’s disease.
 
AZD3293, also known as LY3314814, has been shown in Phase I studies to reduce levels of amyloid-beta in the cerebro-spinal fluid of Alzheimer’s patients and healthy volunteers. The progression of Alzheimer’s disease is characterised by the accumulation of amyloid plaque in the brain. BACE is an enzyme associated with the development of beta-amyloid. Inhibiting BACE is expected to prevent the formation of amyloid plaque and eventually slow the progression of the disease.
 
The pivotal study will investigate the safety and efficacy of AZD3293/LY3314814 compared with placebo in the treatment of early Alzheimer’s disease.
 
Samantha Budd, Vice President and Head of Translational Science in AstraZeneca’s Neuroscience Innovative Medicines Unit, said, “There is a critical need to develop new medicines that can change the course of Alzheimer’s disease. We believe that BACE inhibitors have the potential to target one of the key drivers of this devastating disease. Together with Lilly, we have unique expertise that will allow us to evaluate the potential of AZD3293 as a treatment for Alzheimer’s patients.”
 
AstraZeneca and Eli Lilly announced an alliance earlier in 2014 for the development and commercialisation of AZD3293/LY3314814. Under the agreement, Eli Lilly will lead clinical development, working with researchers from AstraZeneca’s Neuroscience Innovative Medicines Unit, while AstraZeneca will be responsible for manufacturing. The companies will take joint responsibility for commercialisation of the molecule and will share all future costs equally for development and commercialisation, as well as net global revenues post-launch.