The recent
failure of an Alzheimer’s drug trial threatens to leave the world
with no effective remedies to head off an explosive increase in
the numbers of people affected by this disease. By the year 2040
there may be as
many as 80 million human zombies on the planet, adults who have
lost their memory, ability to communicate, make judgments and live
independently.
Recognizing
humanity is running out of time, that the lengthening lifespans
across the globe will surely increase the incidence of Alzheimer’s
dementia, drug companies have stepped up their research and development
programs in hopes of reaping huge financial rewards. But sadly their
efforts have fizzled.
Two major drug
trials were in the research and development pipeline but one
was just nixed off the list when the drug (bapineuzumab) was
withdrawn from further human study by its pharmaceutical sponsors.
That leaves another similar drug (solanezumab) as possibly
the last hope for millions of senior adults suffering from this
debilitating brain disease. Data will soon be announced on this
drug, but this author doesn’t give it much hope, as it is a monoclonal
antibody drug in the same class as the failed bapineuzumab.
