Drug fails in Alzheimer's trial

From our spring 2018 issue of Care and Cure magazine, we explore the successes and failures of recent trials for Alzheimer's disease.

In January we learned the disappointing news that the drug idalopirdine had failed to improve thinking ability or slow the progression of Alzheimer’s in people with the condition who took part in a recent clinical trial.

In early trials, idalopirdine had looked promising. There were signs that it might improve cognition – or thinking ability – when taken alongside cholinesterase inhibitors, another type of drug commonly prescribed to treat the symptoms of dementia.

In the most recent trial, a team of international researchers tested the effects of idalopirdine in 2,525 people with mild to moderate Alzheimer’s disease in 34 countries. For 24 weeks people received either the drug or a placebo, which has no effect as so is used to compare against any effect the drug treatment might have.

Unfortunately, the researchers found no improvement in cognition among people who received the drug compared to those who took the placebo. They also found no effect on the progression of people’s Alzheimer’s disease.

Dr James Pickett, Head of Research at Alzheimer’s Society, said:

‘These results indicate that this type of drug may not have the effects we were hoping for in people with Alzheimer’s and we need to broaden our focus.'

Researchers learn from each research study and clinical trial. This means that even a negative result is something that researchers can use to help to focus on the next opportunity to understand, treat and cure dementia.

Helping the brain’s ‘waste disposal’

From the spring 2016 edition of Care and cure magazine, a new study shows that a drug originally developed as an antidepressant may work to enhance the brain's 'waste disposal' and slow the progress of Alzheimer's disease.

Exercise therapy in early dementia

From the spring 2016 edition of Care and cure magazine, a major £2.8 million study is being launched into therapy that aims to maintain activity, independence and balance among people living with the early stages of dementia.

Researcher profile: Studying social isolation

From the Summer 2016 edition of Care and cure magazine, hear from Isobel Evans, a first year of a three-year funded PhD studentship. She's based at the University of Exeter as part of the Cognitive Function and Ageing Study Doctoral Training Centre.

£250m for new UK Dementia Research Institute

From the Summer 2016 edition of Care and cure magazine, see how Alzheimer's Society is dedicated to funding research into many aspects of dementia. This involves not only looking for the underlying biomedical causes of the condition and investigating potential treatments and cures, but also finding ways to better care for people living with the condition today.

Mice can recall ‘lost’ memories

From the Summer 2016 edition of Care and cure magazine, researchers in the US have used an innovative technique involving flashing lights to discover more about how Alzheimer's disease can affect memory.

Immune system retargeted to remove toxic protein

From the Summer 2016 edition of Care and cure magazine, injections of an immune system protein can trigger the fight against the signs of Alzheimer's disease in mice.

Busy brains may delay Alzheimer's in people with higher risk

From the Summer 2016 edition of Care and cure magazine, research shows that, for people with the APOE4 gene, keeping your brain busy may delay some of the signs of Alzheimer's disease.

Drug fails in Alzheimer's trial

Think this page could be useful to someone? Share it:

Further reading

Choose one or more options