Eli Lilly and Company and AstraZeneca announced enrollment of the first patient into a Phase II/III study of an oral beta secretase cleaving enzyme (BACE) inhibitor currently in development as a potential treatment for Alzheimer’s disease. The drug, AZD3293, also known as LY3314814, is part of alliance formed earlier this year between Lilly and AstraZeneca for the development and commercialization of AZD3293/ LY3314814.

Under the pact, Lilly is leading clinical development, working with researchers from AstraZeneca’s Neuroscience Innovative Medicines Unit, while AstraZeneca is responsible for manufacturing. The companies will take joint responsibility for commercialization of the molecule and will share all future costs equally for development and commercialization as well as net global revenues post-launch.

AZD3293 has been shown in Phase I studies to reduce levels of amyloid-beta in the cerebro-spinal fluid of Alzheimer’s patients and healthy volunteers. 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.

Source: Eli Lilly and AstraZeneca