New Alzheimer's Drug Aducanumab Shows Promising, Fast Results

A new drug is coming out that might help decrease the progression of Alzheimer's. 

Researchers conducted an early-stage trial involving 166 patients and found that the drug, aducanumab, successfully reversed buildup of beta amyloid in the brain and reduced cognitive decline.

During the study, researchers used PET scans to help observe beta amyloid, otherwise known as a protein fragments that create plaque in the brain. They also used tests that were used by neurologists to help measure cognition levels.

"Either result alone would have been exciting," said Alfred Sandrock, chief medical officer for Biogen Idec Inc., the Swiss company that is developing the drug, in a news release. 

Aducanumab, previously known as BIIB037, had such positive results, that researchers are actually skipping mid-stage testing and moving directly into final-stage trials, that will begin later this year. Furthermore, the company's shares have jumped to record high levels according to Friday's news.

Alzheimer's disease, otherwise known as the most common form of dementia, is estimated to affect more than five million Americans. The disease can be quite progressive, with symptoms relating to memory loss, behavioral changes and chronic confusion.

There is still a lot that health officials are working to learn about the problem, according to the Alzheimer's Association, including what environmental, genetic and other factors are involved in the diagnosis, prevention and treatment of the issue. More research along with the findings of these and other studies push the information of the health issue in a more hopeful place for the future.

More information regarding the findings were presented at the International Conference on Alzheimer's and Parkinson's Diseases and Related Neurological Disorders in Nice, France.