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New Alzheimer's Drug Shows Promise In Clinical Trials

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Alexis McKenzie, right, executive director of The Methodist Home of the District of Columbia Forest Side, an Alzheimer's assisted-living facility, puts her hand on the arm of resident Catherine Peake, in Washington,  Feb. 6, 2012. (Charles Dharapak/AP)
Alexis McKenzie, right, executive director of The Methodist Home of the District of Columbia Forest Side, an Alzheimer's assisted-living facility, puts her hand on the arm of resident Catherine Peake, in Washington, Feb. 6, 2012. (Charles Dharapak/AP)

A new drug may eventually offer hope for those suffering from mild Alzheimer's symptoms. Clinical trials of the drug solanezumab showed some effectiveness in slowing the progression of the illness, in studies carried out by Eli Lilly researchers.

The drug works by preventing or removing a plaque build-up of amyloid protein in the brain - something long suspected to play a role in causing Alzheimer's. The drug is now entering a new phase of clinical trials, set to conclude in 2017.

Dr. Eric Siemers is a neurologist and senior medical director with Eli Lilly's Alzheimer's Platform. He joins Here & Now's Jeremy Hobson from Washington, D.C., where the findings are being presented at the Alzheimer's Association International Conference.

Guest

  • Eric Siemers, M.D., neurologist and senior medical director for the Alzheimer's Platform at Eli Lilly.

This segment aired on July 22, 2015.

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