Amgen and Novartis Drop Alzheimer's-Prevention Study After Participants Worsened

Amgen and Novartis have announced the cessation of a study into a potential Alzheimer's prevention therapy after participants' cognitive function worsened, reports MarketWatch . "The sponsors concluded that the potential benefit for participants in the studies did not outweigh the risk," the companies stated. The phase 2/3 study, performed in conjunction with Banner Alzheimer's Institute, was assessing the amyloid-focused BACE1 inhibitor umibecestat. Biogen's own testing of an amyloid-focused drug earlier this year ended in failure, suggesting to some experts that amyloid may not lead to a successful drug treatment. "We still believe amyloid plays an important but complex role in Alzheimer's disease," noted Amgen executive David Rees.