Prana's PBT2 cuts Abeta in Phase IIa AD trial

Australia's Prana Biotechnology, a specialist in the development of treatments for neurodegenerative disorders, says that PBT2, its candidate Alzheimer's disease drug, reduces levels of the amyloid beta-42 peptide in patients at an early stage of the illness.

The finding is based on data from a Phase IIa study, conducted at sites in Sweden and Australia, which recruited 78 patients with early AD. Participants were randomized to receive one of two daily doses of PBT2, either 50mg, 250mg, or placebo for a 12-week period.

At a dosage of 250mg, PBT2 brought about a significant reduction in concentrations of the Abeta-42 peptide in the cerebrospinal fluid that surrounds the brain and spinal cord. The drug also improved executive function performance in various cognitive tests. Additionally during the trial, PBT2 demonstrated a safety and tolerability profile that is indistinguishable from placebo and was not associated with any adverse events.