Anavex Life Sciences announced positive data from its ATTENTION-AD trial, a long-term extension of a Phase 2b/3 study evaluating blarcamesine, an oral drug for early Alzheimer’s disease. The 192-week data showed continued cognitive and functional improvement in patients receiving blarcamesine, with a favorable safety profile and no treatment-related deaths. Delayed-start analysis indicated the importance of early and continuous treatment for optimal outcomes.
These findings are important because they suggest that blarcamesine may offer a disease-modifying effect in Alzheimer’s, a critical unmet need. The data reinforces the potential of early intervention in slowing disease progression, potentially offering patients a longer period of higher cognitive function and independence. This long-term data, coupled with the drug’s oral administration and good safety profile, could make it a more accessible and appealing treatment option for patients.
Technically, the delayed-start analysis, comparing continuous blarcamesine treatment to those starting treatment later, revealed significant differences in both the ADAS-Cog13 (cognitive function) and ADCS-ADL (activities of daily living) scores. Patients who started blarcamesine earlier exhibited greater cognitive stability and functional ability. Data also showed a correlation between continuous treatment and improved outcomes, emphasizing the importance of adherence. Notably, the drug showed a favorable safety profile over the extended study period, with mostly mild to moderate side effects, primarily related to the initial dosage adjustment period.
This long-term data strengthens the case for blarcamesine as a potential disease-modifying therapy for Alzheimer’s disease. The positive results support further development and could pave the way for broader access to a much-needed treatment option. It also highlights the potential of early intervention strategies in managing this devastating disease, offering hope for improved patient outcomes and quality of life.
Jon Napitupulu is Director of Media Relations at The Clinical Trial Vanguard. Jon, a computer data scientist, focuses on the latest clinical trial industry news and trends.
