Alzheimer's Disease: Global Clinical Trial Landscape - Focus On Asia Pacific

Characterized by progressive cognitive decline, Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is the most common form of dementia that causes memory loss. While the cause of the currently incurable disease is still unknown, it is believed to be related to a combination of genetic and environmental factors.¹ Symptoms of AD usually start with impairment in recent memory formation. The diffuse, neuritic extracellular amyloid plaques in the brain that are frequently encircled by dystrophic neurites and intraneuronal neurofibrillary tangles are the neuropathological signs of AD.

However, as the disease progresses, it will eventually affect all intellectual functions, leaving those diagnosed dependent on others for basic daily tasks, often resulting in premature death. In 2014, the Alzheimer’s Disease International (ADI) report estimated that there would be over 75 million cases of dementia by 2030 and 135 million by 2050.²

Described as a complex disease, it is unlikely that any one drug or other medication will ever be able to treat AD in all patients. The odds haven’t stopped researchers from contributing toward a better understanding of AD, though. In recent years the industry has witnessed an uptick in creating and evaluating novel treatments, such as several drugs presently undergoing late-stage clinical trials.

Since 2017, biopharma companies have initiated more than 600 AD clinical trials globally, with the Asia-Pacific region involved in about 35% of the trials. Access this report to better understand the incidence, distribution, and possible control of AD in the Asia Pacific region, the standard of care, the trial landscape, and more.