Around 1,500 patients in 15 countries will be enrolled in the trial which is designed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of AZD3293/LY3314814 compared with placebo in the treatment of early AD.
Data from the Phase I trials of AZD3293 showed that reduced levels of amyloid-beta in the cerebro-spinal fluid of Alzheimer’s patients and healthy volunteers.
AstraZeneca Neuroscience Innovative Medicines Unit vice-president and head of Translational Science Samantha Budd said: "There is a critical need to develop new medicines that can change the course of Alzheimer’s disease.
"We believe that BACE inhibitors have the potential to target one of the key drivers of this devastating disease.
"Together with Lilly, we have unique expertise that will allow us to evaluate the potential of AZD3293 as a treatment for Alzheimer’s patients."
Earlier this year, the two firms have entered into an alliance to develop and commercialize AZD3293/LY3314814.
As part of that deal, Lilly will lead clinical development, working with researchers from AstraZeneca’s Neuroscience Innovative Medicines Unit, and AstraZeneca will be responsible for manufacturing.
Image: AstraZeneca headquarters in London, UK. Photo: courtesy of AstraZeneca plc.