Lilly and AstraZeneca announce alliance to co-develop potential treatment for Alzheimer's disease
The progression of Alzheimer's disease is characterized by the accumulation of amyloid plaque in the brain. BACE is an enzyme associated with the development of beta-amyloid. Inhibiting BACE is expected to prevent the formation of amyloid plaque and eventually slow the progression of the disease.
AZD3293 is an oral potent small molecule inhibitor of BACE that has been shown in Phase 1 studies to reduce levels of beta-amyloid in the cerebro-spinal fluid of Alzheimer's patients and healthy volunteers. AstraZeneca announced earlier in 2014 its plan to move AZD3293 into registration trials.
Under the terms of the agreement, Lilly will pay AstraZeneca up to
AstraZeneca and Lilly aim to progress AZD3293 rapidly into a Phase 2/3 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 commercialization of AZD3293. The companies will share all future costs equally for the development and commercialization of AZD3293, as well as net global revenues post-launch.
"Lilly has been committed to research in Alzheimer's disease for more than 25 years, and we're dedicated to developing new medicines that can change and modify the course of this devastating disease," said
"Alzheimer's disease is one of the biggest challenges facing medical science today and BACE inhibitors have the potential to target one of the key drivers of disease progression. We are looking forward to working with Lilly, a company with a long term commitment to and expertise in treating Alzheimer's disease," said
"What's more, this alliance will enable AstraZeneca to further sharpen our strategic focus on core therapeutic areas, while leveraging external collaborations to maximize the potential of the strong science we have in our growing pipeline," Pangalos said.
About Alzheimer's disease
Alzheimer's disease, a fatal illness, is the most common form of dementia, accounting for 60 to 80 percent of dementia cases.1 It continues to be one of the most significant health challenges facing
About
Lilly is a global healthcare leader that unites caring with discovery to make life better for people around the world. We were founded more than a century ago by a man committed to creating high-quality medicines that meet real needs, and today we remain true to that mission in all our work. Across the globe, Lilly employees work to discover and bring life-changing medicines to those who need them, improve the understanding and management of disease, and give back to communities through philanthropy and volunteerism. To learn more about Lilly, please visit us at www.lilly.com and http://newsroom.lilly.com/social-channels.
About AstraZeneca
AstraZeneca is a global, innovation-driven biopharmaceutical business that focuses on the discovery, development and commercialisation of prescription medicines, primarily for the treatment of cardiovascular, metabolic, respiratory, inflammation, autoimmune, oncology, infection and neuroscience diseases. AstraZeneca operates in over 100 countries and its innovative medicines are used by millions of patients worldwide. For more information please visit: www.astrazeneca.com
This press release contains forward-looking statements about AZD3293 as a potential treatment for Alzheimer's disease and reflects Lilly's current belief. However, as with any pharmaceutical product, there are substantial risks and uncertainties in the process of development and commercialization. For further discussion of these and other risks and uncertainties, see Lilly's filings with the
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