Eisai to begin phase 1 study for E2012, potential treatment for Alzheimer's disease

By E. Janene Geiss

Philadelphia, May 9 - Eisai Medical Research Inc. announced Tuesday that it will begin a phase 1 clinical trial for E2012, a gamma secretase modulator that is being evaluated as a potential new treatment for Alzheimer's disease.

Gamma secretase plays a role in the production of beta-amyloid, a major component of plaque in the brain, which is thought to be a cause of Alzheimer's disease, according to a company news release.

E2012 is a new chemical entity discovered by Eisai. In preclinical research, E2012 has shown some potential to reduce the production of beta-amyloid by modulating the function of gamma secretase, officials said.

Through its marketed drug Aricept (donepezil hydrochloride tablets), Eisai said it is pursuing a multifaceted approach to Alzheimer's disease research that includes investigating genes responsible for the onset of the disease, immunotherapy and vaccine therapy.

Eisai Co., Ltd. is a Tokyo-based health care company. Eisai Medical Research is a Teaneck, N.J., pharmaceutical subsidiary of Eisai Co., Ltd.

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