Anavex Life Sciences has announced encouraging results from their recent phase 2b/3 clinical trial,
bringing new hope to those affected by early Alzheimer’s disease. The
investigational agent, blarcamesine (ANAVEX®2-73), demonstrated significant
efficacy in reducing amyloid-ß biomarkers and slowing neurodegeneration among
study participants.
The multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial included 508 participants
diagnosed with early symptomatic Alzheimer’s disease. Conducted across 52
medical research centers in five countries, the study allocated 338
participants to the blarcamesine group, while 170 received a placebo. Over 48
weeks, participants were administered oral capsules daily and monitored for
cognitive and functional changes.
The primary endpoints of the study were measured using the Alzheimer’s Disease Assessment
Scale-Cognitive (ADAS-Cog) and the Alzheimer’s Disease Cooperative
Study-Activities of Daily Living (ADCS-ADL) subscales. Results indicated a
statistically significant improvement in cognitive function for those treated
with blarcamesine, as indicated by differences in the least-squares mean (LS)
change from baseline to 48 weeks.
Marwan Noel Sabbagh, MD, a professor of neurology and chairman of the Scientific Advisory
Board, highlighted the significance of the findings. He noted that blarcamesine
by Anavex offers a dual benefit by targeting cognitive decline and neurodegeneration,
with a user-friendly oral administration route.
MRI scans revealed a notable reduction in brain volume loss in patients treated with blarcamesine
compared to those on placebo. Plasma biomarker analysis further confirmed the
drug’s efficacy, showing an increase in the amyloid-ß plasma Aβ42/40 ratio. The
most common adverse event reported was transient dizziness, predominantly mild to moderate in severity.
Anavex Life Sciences CEO, Christopher U Missling, PhD, expressed gratitude
to all who contributed to the study. He emphasized the potential of
blarcamesine as a convenient, orally available treatment option for Alzheimer’s disease.
The positive results from this trial signify a step forward in Alzheimer’s research, potentially
offering new avenues for treatment and improved quality of life for patients. See
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