AstraZeneca and Eli Lilly Collaborate on Potential Alzheimer's Drug

AstraZeneca and Eli Lilly are expanding their collaboration to develop an Alzheimer’s drug known as MEDI1814, an antibody selective for amyloid-beta 42. The product is currently in phase 1 trials, and the expansion will build upon an existing collaboration linked to AZD3293.

AZD3293 is a BACE inhibitor that is currently in 2 phase 3 trials.

“MEDI1814 has a unique mechanism among antibodies in clinical development and could provide a distinct approach to treating Alzheimer’s disease,” said Mene Pangalos, AstraZeneca executive vice president of IMED biotech unit and business development.

MEDI1814 works by binding selectively to Aβ42, which is associated with Alzheimer’s disease. The goal of the product is to reduce levels of the peptide, which could potentially slow the progression of the disease.

In February 2014, AstraZeneca began a multicenter phase 1 trial in the United States for MEDI1814 including 242 people with mild-to-moderate Alzheimer’s disease. The study evaluated how single and multiple ascending doses of the drug performed in patients compared to a placebo.

A study that concluded in September 2016 showed the safety and tolerability of MEDI1814 in patients with mild-to-moderate Alzheimer’s disease. However, study results have not been published by AstraZeneca as of yet.