Pfizer, Medivation finally pull plug on Dimebon

Following previous disappointing clinical trials results for their potential Alzheimer’s drug candidate, USA-based Medivation (Nasdaq: MDVN) and global drugs behemoth Pfizer (NYSE: PFE) have finally decided to give up on the development of Dimebon (latrepirdine), an old Russian antihistamine approved in that market in 1983 that had shown exceptionally good results in AD in early studies (The Pharma Letter March 4, 2010).

The companies yesterday announced results from the CONCERT trial, which is a Phase III trial that evaluated Dimebon when added to ongoing treatment with donepezil HCL tablets in patients with mild-to-moderate Alzheimer’s. Dimebon did not achieve statistically significant results for either of the two co-primary endpoints, the Alzheimer’s Disease Assessment Scale - cognitive subscale (ADAS-cog), which measures cognitive ability, or the Alzheimer’s Disease Cooperative Study - Activities of Daily Living (ADCS-ADL), which measures self care and daily function. Dimebon was generally well tolerated in the study. A full analysis of the results from CONCERT will be conducted and submitted for presentation at an upcoming scientific congress.

Dropped for all indications