Neurochem is also actively advancing an 18-month Phase III clinical trial for tramiprosate (Alzhemed) in Europe, which was initiated in September 2005. The ongoing European Phase III clinical trial, an international, multi-center, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled and parallel-designed study, is progressing on schedule and will investigate the safety, efficacy and disease-modifying potential of tramiprosate (Alzhemed). Some 930 mild-to-moderate AD patients are expected to take part and enrollment is expected to be completed in the fall of 2006.
About Alzheimer's disease
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a progressive form of dementia associated with specific brain pathologies. It impairs a person's cognitive and motor functions, their activities of daily living, alters the behaviour and gradually destroys the brain.
AD is the most common cause of dementia in our aging population. Almost 5 million individuals in the United States alone currently suffer from the condition. The U.S. Alzheimer's Association estimates that by 2025, over 22 million people worldwide will be afflicted.
According to a report commissioned by the U.S. Alzheimer's Association, AD costs American businesses approximately US$61 billion a year. That price tag includes US$24.6 billion for direct health care of Alzheimer's patients and US$36.5 billion to cover costs related to caregivers of AD patients, including lost productivity, absenteeism and worker replacement.
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Contact: Lise Hébert, PhD
lhebert@neurochem.com
450-680-4570
Neurochem, Inc.
30-May-2006