Roche drops Alzheimer drug trials after setback - Alzheimer's Society comment

Roche Holding will halt two late-stage clinical trials of its crenezumab drug for early Alzheimer’s disease.

The announcement comes after an interim analysis indicated it was unlikely to hit its primary goal. Roche has been working on the product with Swiss-based partner AC Immune.

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

'While it’s hugely disappointing to hear another drug trial for Alzheimer’s disease fail, we’re far from losing hope.

'Increasingly, research shows us that while amyloid plays an important part in Alzheimer’s it’s not the only issue - that’s why we’re funding essential research to fill gaps in our knowledge and find new angles to tackle the disease.

Research can stop the diseases that cause dementia, but we need more funding.

'Dementia is the UK’s leading cause of death, with one person developing symptoms every three minutes.

'Undoubtedly, people will be concerned that investment in dementia research will fall as a result of another failure – but for the people living with dementia and their loved ones, we can’t afford to let this happen.

'We must and will redouble our efforts and investment into dementia research.'