Pharmaceutical companies, AstraZeneca and Eli Lilly and Co (Lilly) announced on 16 September having reached an agreement to jointly develop and commercialise AZD3293, an oral BACE inhibitor currently in development as a potential treatment for Alzheimer’s disease (AD).
In Phase I studies, AZD3293 had been shown to significantly and dose-dependently reduce levels of amyloid beta in the cerebro-spinal fluid of trial participants with Alzheimer’s disease as well as in healthy volunteers. AstraZeneca announced its plan to move AZD3293 into registration trials earlier this year.
This alliance has been formed with the aim of progressing AZD3293 rapidly into a Phase II/III clinical trial in patients with early Alzheimer’s disease.
Lilly will lead clinical development, working with researchers from AstraZeneca’s Innovative Medicines Unit for neuroscience, while AstraZeneca will be responsible for manufacturing. The companies will take joint responsibility for the commercialisation of AZD3293.