Targacept’s drug, AZD3480, acts selectively on neuronal nicotinic receptors and has been evaluated in 12 clinical trials in approximately 540 subjects.
In a previous Phase IIb trial in age associated memory impairment, Targacept says AZD3480 achieved statistically significant results on all of the primary endpoints, demonstrating cognitive enhancing effects in memory-impaired older adults.
The Alzheimer’s disease trial is a double blind, placebo controlled study being conducted at sites in Western Europe, Eastern Europe and Canada. The trial design provides for approximately 500 patients with mild to moderate Alzheimer’s disease to be randomly assigned to one of three dose groups of AZD3480, to an active comparator or to placebo and to be dosed over a 12-week period.
It is expected to complete by the end of 2008. AstraZeneca is also scheduled to begin dosing in a Phase IIb trial of AZD3480 in cognitive deficits in schizophrenia in August 2007.
Bob Holland, vice president and Head of the Neuroscience Therapy Area, AstraZeneca, added: “We are committed to developing innovative therapies for Alzheimer’s disease and other cognitive disorders and are enthusiastic about the profile and potential of AZD3480. We believe that the scientific rationale and clinical results to date bode well for the potential of AZD3480 (TC-1734) to make a real difference in the lives of those suffering from Alzheimer’s disease and their caregivers.”