Morning Briefing
Summaries of health policy coverage from major news organizations
Highly Anticipated Alzheimer's Drug Fails Final Trial Stage, But Glimmer Of Hope Remains
The New York Times: Alzheimer’s Drug LMTX Falters In Final Stage Of Trials
A new type of drug for Alzheimer’s disease failed to slow the rate of decline in mental ability and daily functioning in its first large clinical trial. There was a hint, though, that it might be effective for certain patients. The drug, called LMTX, is the first one with its mode of action — trying to undo so-called tau tangles in the brain — to reach the final stage of clinical trials. So the results of the study were eagerly awaited. The initial reaction to the outcome was disappointment, with perhaps a glimmer of hopefulness. (Pollack, 7/27)
The Wall Street Journal: Experimental Alzheimer’s Drug Fails In Clinical Trial
The drug was designed to attack the twisted fibers that tau forms in the brains of Alzheimer’s patients. Most other drug trials for the disease have attacked a different protein called beta amyloid, which forms sticky plaques in the brains of Alzheimer’s patients. (Whalen, 7/27)
Stat: Promising Alzheimer’s Treatment Flops In New Trial, Crushing Hopes
A closely watched treatment for Alzheimer’s disease came up short in a late-stage trial, marking the latest setback in a field wracked by years of failure. The drug, from biotech company TauRx, did no better than a sugar pill at improving patients’ scores on tests of cognitive and physical function, according to data presented early Wednesday at the Alzheimer’s Association International Conference in Toronto. The study looked at roughly 900 patients with mild to moderate forms of Alzheimer’s. “I must say I’m disappointed by the results,” said Dr. David Knopman, a Mayo Clinic neurologist not involved with the study. (Garde, 7/27)
