Japanese Pharmaceuticals Eisai announced the final phase of its work with an experimental drug for treat Alzheimer’s It has shown positive results in slowing the worsening of the disease.

Eisai published the results of the clinical trial this Wednesday. lekanemab, a new treatment for neurodegenerative disease. The drug was researched in conjunction with the American pharmaceutical company Biogen.

The clinical trial began in March 2019 and 1,795 people from Japan, United States and Europe. Some had mild cognitive impairment (dementia) or early-stage Alzheimer’s with confirmed amyloid beta (a peptide important in their development) abnormalities.

The patients were divided into two groups: members of one were administered the drug every two weeks. for 18 months. The other was given a placebo to investigate changes in their cognitive functions.

Results

Group treated with lecanemab after one and a half years a 27% reduction worsening of symptoms compared to those taking placebo. According to the results of the study, “treatment showed statistically significant changes” in cognitive evolution from six months.

another try with 111 patients It is currently underway in China.

The drug lecanemab is designed to prevent the progression of Alzheimer’s by binding and removing an antibody to amyloid beta (which occurs in abnormal deposits in the brains of patients with this most common form of dementia). destruction of nerve cells.

Eisai will present the results of her study at the Alzheimer’s Clinical Research Congress. The event will take place in the United States from November 29.