Eli Lilly and Company (NYSE: LLY) and AstraZeneca today announced enrollment of the first patient into AMARANTH, a Phase II/III study of an oral beta secretase cleaving enzyme (BACE) inhibitor currently in development as a potential treatment for Alzheimer’s disease.
AZD3293, also known as LY3314814, has been shown in Phase I studies to reduce levels of amyloid-beta in the cerebro-spinal fluid of Alzheimer’s patients and healthy volunteers. The progression of Alzheimer’s disease is characterized by the accumulation of amyloid plaque in the brain. BACE is an enzyme associated with the development of beta-amyloid. Inhibiting BACE is expected to prevent the formation of amyloid plaque and eventually slow the progression of the disease.
The pivotal study will investigate the safety and efficacy of AZD3293/ LY3314814 compared with placebo in the treatment of early Alzheimer’s disease.
The Alois Alzheimer Foundation 