Genentech moves crenezumab into Phase III for AD

The Genentech Inc. unit of Roche (SIX:ROG; OTCQX:RHHBY) said it will begin Phase III testing in 2016 of crenezumab to treat patients with prodromal to mild Alzheimer's disease, triggering an undisclosed milestone payment to AC Immune S.A. (Lausanne, Switzerland) under a 2006 deal.

Last year, the humanized mAb against beta amyloid missed the primary and secondary endpoints in two Phase II trials to treat AD. However, a 15 mg/kg dose of crenezumab showed trends toward treatment effects in patients with mild AD and the company had considered exploring a higher dose (see BioCentury, July 28, 2014). ...