By Isabella Ciccone, MPH

Anavex Life Sciences recently announced promising findings from a Phase 2b/3 trial of their
investigational drug, blarcamesine, for treating early Alzheimer’s disease.
This trial, conducted across multiple centers, enrolled 508 participants and
aimed to evaluate the drug’s efficacy in reducing cognitive decline and neurodegeneration. 

Blarcamesine, also known as ANAVEX2-73, demonstrated significant reductions in amyloid-ß levels, a
key biomarker associated with Alzheimer’s pathology. According to Anavex, the
drug not only slowed cognitive decline but also reduced brain volume loss, showcasing
its potential as a groundbreaking treatment. 

The trial’s results indicated that patients treated with blarcamesine showed marked improvement in
cognitive function as assessed by the Alzheimer’s Disease Assessment
Scale-Cognitive (ADAS-Cog). Additionally, MRI scans revealed a significant
slowing of brain atrophy in patients receiving the drug compared to those on a placebo. 

Dr. Marwan Noel Sabbagh, professor of neurology, emphasized the significance of these findings.
“Blarcamesine offers clinical benefits on cognition and neurodegeneration,
making it an appealing option due to its oral administration and excellent
safety profile,” he stated. 

According to Anavex Life Sciences, safety data from the trial were encouraging. The most
common adverse event was dizziness, reported in about 35.8% of participants
during the titration phase. However, this side effect was generally mild and
transient, adding to the drug’s favorable safety outlook. 

Christopher U Missling, PhD, CEO of Anavex Life Sciences, expressed optimism about the future
of blarcamesine. He highlighted the dedication of researchers and participants
in the study, acknowledging their invaluable contributions. 

Anavex continues to blaze a trail in Alzheimer’s research, offering hope to
millions affected by this debilitating disease. With these promising results,
the company is poised to advance blarcamesine as a potential new treatment
option. 

References 

Anavex Life
Sciences. (2023). Phase 2b/3 Trial of Blarcamesine Shows Robust Clinical
Efficacy. [News Release]. 

By incorporating advancements in medical research, Anavex Life Sciences aims to make substantial
strides in the fight against Alzheimer’s disease. See related link for additional information. 

Follow their page on https://www.instagram.com/anavexlifesci/