Eisai Co., Ltd. Outlines Latest Trends in Alzheimer's Disease Treatment and Highlights Elenbecestat Development at AAIC 2019

Tokyo, August 8, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- Eisai Co., Ltd. (headquartered in Tokyo, Japan; President: Haruo Naito; hereinafter referred to as “Eisai”) presented and discussed relevant therapies, including the oral beta-amyloid cleaving enzyme (BACE) inhibitor Elenbecestat, at the special session “Discussion of BACEi Trial Results: Challenges and Opportunities” during the Alzheimer’s Association International Conference (AAIC).^*research data on the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). The Alzheimer’s Association International Conference (AAIC) was held in Los Angeles, California, USA, from July 14 to 18, 2019. In addition, Eisai hosted a symposium on the rationale and opportunities in preclinical AD drug development.

1. AAICspecialized meeting on (BACEiDiscussion of Trial Results: Challenges and Opportunities)

At this conference, each company presented information on its respective BACE inhibitors. Eisai provided a comprehensive overview of the results from non-clinical and clinical studies, as well as the current status of clinical research on Elenbecestat.

2. Eisai-Sponsored Workshop (Targeted Therapy for Preclinical Alzheimer’s Disease)

At this symposium, academic pioneers delivered a thematic presentation covering the biological definition of Alzheimer’s disease (AD), molecular pathways, and issues and prospects related to early treatment, which was followed by a lively discussion.

Accumulation of amyloid-beta (Aβ) in the brain—where Aβ is the causative agent of Alzheimer’s disease (AD)—begins 10 to 20 years before the onset of memory symptoms. Therefore, diagnosis and classification should be based on pathology rather than clinical symptoms. In the latest ATN (Amyloid, Tau, Neurodegeneration/Neuronal Injury) classification framework for AD, the concept that “AD is a disease that evolves along a continuum of Alzheimer’s-related pathological events” is articulated. With advances in biomarker research (including blood, cerebrospinal fluid [CSF], and imaging), the concept of “AD status” has been introduced, enabling the determination of AD staging, including preclinical AD. As such diagnostic technologies advance, preclinical therapeutic intervention for AD becomes feasible. Reducing the production of toxic Aβ species through pathway-based targeted therapies represents a rational approach among research strategies aimed at suppressing the onset of AD. Furthermore,Seminar"Discussions also covered innovations in future research design, the application of combination therapies, and prospects for establishing streamlined blood-based diagnostic methods."

Leveraging over 35 years of drug development experience in the fields of Alzheimer’s disease and dementia, Eisai strives to achieve the prevention and treatment of dementia through a multidimensional and comprehensive approach. Eisai is committed to accelerating the development of innovative medicines to address unmet medical needs and contribute to the well-being of patients and their families.

* Elenbecestat was jointly developed by Eisai and Biogen (headquartered in Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA; hereinafter referred to as “Biogen”).