Other data presented at the symposium included results from two 1-year, placebo-controlled clinical studies with ARICEPT. In the 1-year US study, patients treated with ARICEPT maintained function significantly longer (median time about 5 months longer) than those treated with placebo. In the multinational 1-year study, cognition was maintained at or near baseline for 1 year as measured by the Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE) in patients treated with ARICEPT.
Alzheimers disease, which is a progressive and degenerative brain disorder, impairs cognition and the ability to perform such daily living activities as handling money, using the telephone, grooming, etc. Approximately 15 million people suffer from AD worldwide.
ARICEPT (donepezil hydrochloride) is well tolerated but may not be for everyone. Some people may experience nausea, diarrhea, insomnia, vomiting, muscle cramps, fatigue, or loss of appetite. In studies, these side effects were usually mild and temporary. Some people taking ARICEPT may experience fainting. People at risk for ulcers should tell their doctors because their condition may get worse. In a progressively degenerative disease such as Alzheimers, no further decline or a less than expected decline is considered a favorable response. Improvement, stabilization and decline have been observed in patients treated with ARICEPT in clinical trials. Individual responses to treatment may vary.
ARICEPT is available by prescription in more than 40 countries. In November 1994, Eisai Co., Ltd., and Pfizer Inc. announced the formation of a strategic alliance for the promotion of ARICEPT and development of new treatments for Alzheimer's disease and other cognitive disorders. ARICEPT is the lead compound in this alliance. First launched in the United States in February 1997, ARICEPT has been well received in the Alzheimer's disease community with more than
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Contact: Celeste Torello, Pfizer Inc.
212-733-6471
Porter Novelli
26-Sep-2000