Anavex Life Sciences Reports Phase 2b/3 Trial Results of Once Daily Oral Alzheimer’s Treatment Blarcamesine

Anavex Life Sciences (Nasdaq: AVXL), a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on developing treatments for neurodegenerative and neurodevelopmental disorders, announced significant findings from its Phase 2b/3 clinical trial of blarcamesine (ANAVEX®2-73). This investigational drug, delivered as a once daily oral treatment, demonstrated efficacy in slowing cognitive decline and neurodegeneration in patients with early-stage Alzheimer’s disease.

The trial involved 508 participants across 52 medical centers in five countries. The study design was a multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, in which participants received either blarcamesine (n = 338) or a placebo (n = 170) for 48 weeks. Participants included individuals in the early stages of Alzheimer’s disease, defined as mild cognitive impairment or mild dementia. Blarcamesine was administered in oral capsule form, once daily.

Primary and Secondary Endpoints Achieved

The study met its co-primary endpoints, which were assessed using a mixed model for repeated measures (MMRM), the regulatory standard method. The first co-primary endpoint, the ADAS-Cog13 (Alzheimer’s Disease Assessment Scale-Cognitive Subscale), showed a statistically significant difference in cognitive decline between the blarcamesine and placebo groups, with a least-squares mean (LSM) change of -1.783 (P = 0.0226). The second co-primary endpoint, the CDR-SB (Clinical Dementia Rating-Sum of Boxes), also showed a significant difference between groups, with an LSM change of -0.456 (P = 0.0175).

In addition to meeting these clinical efficacy endpoints, blarcamesine demonstrated significant effects on two critical biomarkers associated with Alzheimer’s pathology. The ratio of plasma Aβ42/40, a marker of amyloid beta pathology, increased significantly in the blarcamesine group (P = 0.048). Moreover, MRI scans revealed a marked reduction in brain volume loss, including whole brain volume, with statistical significance (P = 0.0005).

Safety Profile and Tolerability

Blarcamesine showed a favorable safety profile, with the most common treatment-emergent adverse event being dizziness. This side effect was reported in 35.8% of participants during the titration phase and in 25.2% during the maintenance phase. In contrast, dizziness occurred in 6.0% and 5.6% of participants in the placebo group during the respective phases. Most cases of dizziness were mild to moderate in severity and transient.

Efficacy Beyond Amyloid-Targeting Therapies

Alzheimer’s disease remains one of the most challenging neurodegenerative disorders, affecting millions of people globally. Traditional treatments have primarily focused on targeting amyloid beta plaques, which accumulate in the brains of Alzheimer’s patients. However, blarcamesine distinguishes itself by impacting both cognition and neurodegeneration. According to Dr. Marwan Noel Sabbagh, Professor of Neurology and Chairman of Anavex’s Scientific Advisory Board, blarcamesine’s mechanism of action extends beyond amyloid plaque reduction. He noted, “The advantage of blarcamesine is that it is a small oral molecule that exerts clinical benefits on cognition and neurodegeneration. Its oral administration route and excellent safety profile make it appealing.”

This sentiment was echoed by Dr. Michael Weiner, Principal Investigator of the Alzheimer’s Disease Neuroimaging Initiative (ADNI) at the University of California, San Francisco. He emphasized the significance of this study’s ability to objectively demonstrate the slowing of neurodegeneration markers, further supporting blarcamesine’s potential as a once daily oral Alzheimer’s treatment.

A New Oral Treatment Option for Alzheimer’s Disease

As an orally available drug, blarcamesine (ANAVEX®2-73) presents a novel approach to treating Alzheimer’s disease. The drug’s mechanism targets sigma-1 and muscarinic receptors, restoring cellular homeostasis. Preclinical models have shown that it has neuroprotective, anti-amnesic, anticonvulsant, and anti-depressant properties, suggesting its potential applicability in treating other central nervous system (CNS) disorders, including epilepsy and Parkinson’s disease.

Christopher U. Missling, PhD, President and CEO of Anavex Life Sciences, emphasized the company’s dedication to advancing treatments for neurodegenerative diseases. He stated, “Anavex’s clinical development is a testament to our determination to follow the science. We look forward to advancing blarcamesine as a potential new convenient, orally available treatment option for Alzheimer’s disease.”

Future Steps for Anavex Life Sciences

With the completion of the Phase 2b/3 trial, Anavex Life Sciences is preparing for regulatory discussions. The company aims to further investigate the potential of blarcamesine not only as a once daily oral Alzheimer’s treatment but also as a therapy for other neurodegenerative diseases.

As Anavex Life Sciences continues to explore the full therapeutic potential of blarcamesine, this drug stands at the forefront of emerging Alzheimer’s treatments that may provide a new pathway to slowing disease progression and mitigating the devastating effects of cognitive decline and neurodegeneration.

For more information on Anavex Life Sciences and its ongoing research, visit www.anavex.com.