Elan to push ahead with Alzheimer's drug trial

Athlone-based pharmaceutical company Elan and Wyeth Pharmaceuticals are to initiate a phase three clinical programme of a drug for the treatment of patients with mild to moderate Alzheimer's Disease.

The phase three trial of Bapineuzumab will start in the second half of this year, subject to regulatory approval.

Phase two of the trial is on-going. Elan said today: "No conclusion about the phase two study can be drawn until the study is completed and the final data are analyzed and released in 2008."

The company added: "It is important to remember that Alzheimer's disease is a complex and formidable challenge, and our immunotherapeutic programs still contain inherent risks."

Alzheimer's Disease is a progressive brain disorder that gradually destroys a person's memory and ability to learn, reason, make judgments, communicate and carry out daily activities. It is estimated that more than 24 million people worldwide have Alzheimer's Disease (Source: Alzheimer's Association and Alzheimer's Disease International)