The pharmaceutical manufacturing company, Johnson & Johnson, was initially founded in 1886. This company continues to offer pharmaceutical products, consumer packaged goods, and medical devices. They have also been testing an experimental Alzheimer’s drug in recent years.

However, their efforts have come to a halt after observing some potential safety issues.

Johnson & Johnson Ended Their Mid-Stage Trials

While testing an experimental Alzheimer’s drug, Johnson & Johnson decided to end trials after participants showed significant elevations of liver enzymes. In this case, the benefit-risk of the drug, known as atabecestat, did not support further development.

Belonging to a class of drugs called BACE inhibitors, atabecestat blocks an enzyme responsible for the production of amyloid-beta. Once this protein clumps together, it forms plaques — a hallmark of Alzheimer’s. This is also considered to be a major potential cause of this neurodegenerative disease. 

This is not the first time that a BACE inhibitor has been dropped due to safety issues. Since targeting the BACE1 form of the enzyme is rather tricky, off-target side effects often develop. Johnson & Johnson is also not the only company to abandon trials. Merck and Co, as well as Pfizer have also discontinued trials due to a lack of effectiveness or safety concerns.

Related: Pfizer Drops Out of the Race to Find a Cure

There Are Still Many Ongoing Trials In Progress

As of late 2017, more than 400 clinical trials were exploring new potential treatments for Alzheimer’s. Of these, many are focusing on reducing the effects of amyloid-beta, while others focus on a more broad range of possible treatments based on other theories.

With regards to pharmaceuticals, both dietary supplements and medications are being studied. Various non-pharmaceutical strategies are also being explored. These strategies include the effect of exercise, behavioral treatments, and physical treatments, such as surgery and the use of electromagnetic devices.

In addition, early intervention is key. That is why it is recommended that you seek a professional opinion as soon as possible if something does not seem quite right. For those who are currently concerned, BrainTest® is an assessment tool that can help you detect early warning signs of Alzheimer’s, dementia, and other cognitive impairments.

Why Have So Many Clinical Trials Failed?

Scientists have been studying possible Alzheimer’s treatment options for decades. After spending billions of dollars, both physicians and patients are still without a solution. In a recent post, we discussed the fives drugs that are currently approved by the FDA to treat Alzheimer’s.

Since virtually all clinical trials of Alzheimer’s drugs fail, researchers are beginning to wonder if the core theories they have used to design and develop these drugs are wrong.

As stated by Michael Murphy, an associate professor on Aging, “Whether multifaceted strategy or something entirely unforeseen is the answer, the field is clearly in need of innovative ideas. We may very well be nearing the end of the amyloid hypothesis rope, at which point one or two more failures will cause us to loosen our grip and let go.”

With more than 5 million Americans currently living with Alzheimer’s, if this disease is left unchecked, these figures could triple by the year 2050. This will equate to an approximate economic burden of more than $1 trillion per year. The race for a cure is urgent. However, you can take positive action today.

Address Your Lifestyle

Many experts agree that the likelihood of a successful treatment is high. However, you can actively begin to protect yourself today. Diet, exercise, stress, and sleep are all key areas that you should address.

For more information, please refer to the following articles:

• Instead of Waiting for a Miracle Alzheimer’s Drug, Address Your Lifestyle Today

• Chronic Stress, Overworked Brains, and Alzheimer’s