====Biogen (BIIB) Alzheimer's drug shows potential to slow disease

Cambridge, MA-based Biogen (Nasdaq: BIIB) and its partner, Japanese pharmaceutical company Eisai Co., announced late Thursday that patients who received the drug saw a reduction in amyloid — a protein whose buildup in the brain has been linked to cognitive decline — after 18 months of treatment, compared to those on a placebo.  The trial represents a rare success in Alzheimer’s drug research. The field has been marked by a series of high-profile failures in late-stage trials, with one large drugmaker after another coming up short in recent years.


Biogen and Eisai (ESALY) report positive topline results of the final analysis for BAN2401  

• Eisai and Biogen announce positive topline results of the final analysis for BAN2401 at 18 Months
  • The final analysis at 18 months of the 856 patient Phase II clinical study in early Alzheimer's disease demonstrated statistically significant slowing in clinical decline and reduction of amyloid beta accumulated in the brain
  • First late-stage study data successfully demonstrating potential disease- modifying effects on both clinical function and amyloid beta accumulation in the brain
  • New data provide compelling evidence to further support amyloid hypothesis as a therapeutic target for Alzheimer's disease