Neurochem Inc. has filed an Investigational New Drug application with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in preparation for starting a phase II clinical trial of Alzhemed™, a drug designed to modify the course of Alzheimer's disease.

Researchers say Alzhemed in mouse trials has both prevented and stopped formation of amyloid fibrils in the brain and inhibited the inflammatory response associated with amyloid build-up in Alzheimer's disease.

A total of 48 patients with mild to moderate Alzheimer's are expected to participate in the multicenter phase II trial designed to determine optimal dosing regimens for Alzhemed.

"The IND filing for the initiation of Phase II trials for Alzhemed is an
important milestone within our Alzheimer's disease program," said Dr. Louis R. Lamontagne, President and CEO of Neurochem. "Our
objective is to optimize the subsequent North American efficacy trials based on the results obtained in this Phase II clinical study."

Other sources: Neurochem