Advertisement

If you have an ACS member number, please enter it here so we can link this account to your membership. (optional)

ACS values your privacy. By submitting your information, you are gaining access to C&EN and subscribing to our weekly newsletter. We use the information you provide to make your reading experience better, and we will never sell your data to third party members.

ENJOY UNLIMITED ACCES TO C&EN

Business

Merck & Co. hits Alzheimer’s setbacks

by Lisa M. Jarvis
February 20, 2017 | A version of this story appeared in Volume 95, Issue 8

In the latest blow to the hypothesis that amyloid plaques on the brain cause Alzheimer’s disease, Merck & Co. is ending a study of verubecestat after an early review of data showed the compound was not benefiting patients. Verubecestat prevents new amyloid-β plaques from forming by blocking the enzyme β-secretase. The Phase II/III study being halted tested verubecestat in people with mild to moderate Alzheimer’s disease, a population that could already have too much plaque for the drug to be useful. Merck will continue a Phase III study of the drug in people with a very early form of Alzheimer’s.

Article:

This article has been sent to the following recipient:

0 /1 FREE ARTICLES LEFT THIS MONTH Remaining
Chemistry matters. Join us to get the news you need.