In longest study to date, Exelon (rivastigmine) has demonstrated sustained benefits for Alzheimer's patients for at least two years, according to presenters at the Seventh International Geneva/Springfield Symposium on Advances in Alzheimer's Therapy.

"These are important results because they are the first to confirm the benefits of Exelon over such a long period of time and in a large number of patients," said Dr. George Grossberg, Director of Geriatric Psychiatry at St. Louis University School of Medicine in Missouri.

"The finding of a sustained benefit is good news for individuals with Alzheimer's disease and for the family members who care for them," Grossberg said.

The study included 2,010 Exelon-treated patients from 113 centers in the United States and other countries. The data were from open-label extension studies of four-six month, randomized, placebo-controlled trials.

Patients in the extension studies received one to six milligrams of Exelon twice daily. Cognitive performance was compared to a projected performance if they were untreated, and to published data of patients receiving a placebo.

Standardized tests measured cognitive performance, and clinician's overall assessment of patient condition.

On a scale of 0 to 70, patients receiving Exelon deteriorated an average of five points less than untreated or placebo-treated patients (8.6 vs. 13.6 points, respectively), surpassing researchers' expectations.

Those findings corresponded to smaller-than-expected declines in clinicians' assessments of patients' all-around function as well.

Exelon, a cholinesterase inhibitor, currently is approved for the treatment of mild to moderate Alzheimer's disease (see earlier Alzheimer Week story).

Other Sources: Novartis