Advances in Conceptualizing Disease Progression in Alzheimer’s Disease

August 21, 2008 03:11 PM Central Time

TORONTO–(BUSINESS WIRE)–A hallmark of this year’s ICAD meeting was the wealth of new clinical trials information in Alzheimer’s Disease (AD). Years of basic and preclinical research have paved the road for development of new medications and biologics. Results from many new clinical trials were provided, ranging from promising Phase I and II trials to some disappointing Phase II and III results.

Hundreds of new agents for the treatment of dementias are now in or approaching clinical trials. It is essential that new CNS-drug development generally, and clinical trials specifically, keep pace with the explosive growth in translational opportunities in AD and other CNS disorders. Emergence of novel treatments aimed at disease-progression requires improvements in methodology, particularly in definitions of clinical outcomes, so that health-authorities, patients, physicians, and payers are satisfied.

George Grossberg states: “At the recently concluded ICAD in Chicago, we witnessed negative results from several large Phase 3 trials of compounds which were touted as potentially having disease-modifying effects for treating AD. Could problems such as those exemplified by these studies have been avoided with better clinical trial designs? The ISCTM meeting Advances in the Conceptualization of Disease Progression in Alzheimer’s Disease–An Interdisciplinary Conference, will prove an immensely valuable follow up to ICAD for scientists, clinical trialists, pharmaceutical industry and regulatory authorities worldwide who are trying to make our research endeavors more efficient and effective.” Ravi Anand and George Grossberg will co-chair the fall ISCTM meeting to pursue this important discussion.

The International Society for CNS Clinical Trials and Methodology (ISCTM) will gather world-reknowned experts to discuss challenges identified at ICAD and by others, on October 6–7, 2008, in Toronto. Topics to be addressed include: “Disease Progression in AD,” “Optimal Trial-Designs For Disease Modification In AD,” “Clinical and Biological Endpoints in Disease Progression/Modification,” and “Statistical Issues In Disease-Modifying Therapies In AD Trials.” (Detailed Agenda and Presenters)

The International Society for CNS Clinical Trials and Methodology (ISCTM) is a multi-disciplinary, independent organization devoted to addressing strategic clinical, regulatory, and methodological challenges that arise in the development and clinical use of CNS therapeutic agents through partnership with industry, academia, governmental and non-governmental agencies and the public.

Contacts

ISCTM
Carlotta D. McKee, 615-383-7688
Executive Director
https://isctm.org