MK 8931 (Merck Inc.) progress in Alzheimers disease early study

Results from a Phase Ib study show a dose-dependent decrease in beta amyloid levels in cerebral spinal fluid (CSF) following administration of MK 8931, from Merck Inc.,, in patients with mild to moderate Alzheimer�s disease (AD). In the study, beta amyloid levels were analysed as a measure of BACE activity. The randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled multiple dose study evaluated the safety and tolerability, pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamic profile of MK 8931.

Administration of MK 8931 at doses of 12, 40 and 60 mg resulted in a dose-dependent and sustained reduction in the levels of Ab40, a measure of BACE1 activity, in CSF from baseline of 57, 79 and 84%, respectively. No serious adverse events or study discontinuations due to adverse events were recorded. The data were presented during an oral session at the Alzheimer�s Association International Conference.