Takeda/Zinfadel ends late-stage Alzheimer’s study

Alzheimer’s disease research has taken another hit with the termination of a Phase III study assessing the effect of diabetes drug pioglitazone on mild cognitive impairment (MCI) in patients with the condition.

Takeda and Zinfandel Pharmaceuticals have pulled the plug on the TOMORROW study after a futility analysis indicated that the drug would not be effective at delaying the onset of MCI.

The decision was not related to the experimental therapy or study procedures, it was stressed.

The firms will now further analyse data, including the performance of the genetic-based biomarker risk assignment algorithm, "with the hope that this information may ultimately help in the global fight against AD".

"This was a unique, groundbreaking opportunity, and the volume and quality of clinical data generated by TOMMORROW will provide valuable insights into the earliest stages of the AD process and contribute to easing the burden of AD," noted Ann Saunders, Zinfandel’s chief executive.