Closing in on Alzheimer's: 3 New Alzheimer's Drugs at a Glance
By: Barbara Basler Source: AARP Bulletin Today Date Posted: June 2007
Tests of an experimental drug begin in Phase I with a small group of 20 to 80 patients. If the drug proves safe, its effectiveness is then tested in a Phase II trial with 100 to 300 patients. Only drugs with highly encouraging results move into a final, very expensive Phase III trial with 1,000 to 3,000 patients. Nine new drugs that would prevent, treat or delay the progress of Alzheimer's disease are now in Phase III trials—with some 30 other drugs in Phase II. Here are some examples:
Alzhemed Works to discourage the clumping of beta-amyloid, a protein that forms sticky plaque in the brain, the hallmark of Alzheimer's disease. Phase III has ended, results are due this month.
Flurizan Inhibits the production of amyloid. Phase III.
Bapineuzumab A vaccine containing a specific antibody created by scientists to seek out and remove amyloid from the brain. Phase II.
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