BAN2401 slows cognitive decline by 30% in Phase II Alzheimer's trial

Eisai Co. Ltd. (Tokyo:4523) and Biogen Inc. (NASDAQ:BIIB) presented highly anticipated detailed results for BAN2401 Wednesday at the Alzheimer's Association International Conference showing that the anti-β amyloid therapy slowed cognitive decline by as much as 30%. However, inconsistencies in the dose response and an imbalance of high-risk patients across the treatment and placebo arms may have spooked investors, with Biogen falling $45.83 (12%) to $338 in after-hours trading Wednesday. The data were presented after market close.

In the Phase II Study 201 in 856 patients with early AD, BAN2401 met the secondary endpoint of a slowing of cognitive decline vs. placebo as measured by the AD Composite Score (ADCOMS) composite endpoint. Specifically, the highest dose of BAN2401, 10 mg/kg every two weeks (n=161), led to a 30% slowing of cognitive decline vs. placebo at 18 months (p=0.034). A significant slowing of decline in ADCOMS was also observed at six and 12 months for the highest dose vs. placebo (p<0.05 for both)...