Over 80 new Alzheimer’s drugs in development

Hannah Blake

pharmaphorum

There are 83 new treatments for Alzheimer’s disease currently in development, either in clinical trials or under review by the FDA, according to a new report by the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA).

The report, “Alzheimer’s Research: Setbacks and Stepping Stones”, also found that between 1998 to 2011, only three medicines have been approved to treat symptoms of the disease, with only five FDA-approved treatments for Alzheimer’s in total. These treatments include Namenda (memantine) and the cholinesterase inhibitor, Aricept (donepazil).

During this same 13-year period, 101 treatments have failed to reach patients, outlining the difficulty of R&amp,D in this disease area.

“Setbacks in Alzheimer’s research are disappointing to many, including the scientists carrying out the studies, but these unsuccessful attempts are critical stepping stones to advancing our understanding of this extremely complex disease. The reality is that so-called failures in the development of new drugs for Alzheimer’s are helping redirect research – providing new information that allows science to move forward.”

PhRMA President and CEO, John J. Castellani.

Alzheimer’s disease currently affects 5.4 million people in the US today, according to the Alzheimer’s Association. The disease accounts for approximately US $200 billion each year in direct medical costs, and almost the same again in unpaid care by family, friends and caregivers.

The economic burden of Alzheimer’s is expected to grow in the coming years, which is why the mission to R&amp,D new disease-modifying treatments is such an important one.

“This cutting edge research will help to bring us ever closer to our goal of better tackling and eventually conquering this debilitating disease. For this critical innovative work to continue and to help curb the costly impact of this disease on our health care system, policymakers must support policies that foster medical advancements for patients and value innovative engines of growth such as the biopharmaceutical sector.”

John J. Castellani adds.