Phase II Trials Launched for Alzheimer's Vaccine

Phase II trials for a new experimental vaccine for Alzheimer's disease have been launched by Elan Corp and American Home Products Corp.

The drug AN-1792, also known as AIP-001, is designed to stimulate the body's immune system to destroy the waxy protein plaques that build up in the brains of Alzheimer's patients. Tests on genetically engineered mice showed that the vaccine prevented the plaque build-up in younger mice and stopped it from accumulating in older mice.

"This is pathfinding science here, we are on the frontier," said Ivan Lieberburg, Elan's chief scientific and medical officer. "Nobody has ever taken this type of therapy into an Alzheimer's study."

"Elan and AHP plan to initiate a multicenter exploratory Phase IIa clinical study with approximately 375 patients with mild to moderate Alzheimer's disease at sites in the U.S. and Europe," said a joint statement issued by the two pharmaceutical companies.

The study is slated to begin in the third quarter of 2001 and last two years.

Other sources: Elan Corp., American Home Products