Eisai Will Initiate Phase I Study For E2012, A Potential New Treatment For Alzheimer's Disease

Eisai Medical Research
Inc. (Headquarters: New Jersey, President: Mindell Seidlin, MD), a U.S.
clinical research subsidiary of Eisai Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Tokyo,
President and CEO: Haruo Naito), announced today that it will initiate a
Phase I clinical trial for E2012, a gamma secretase modulator that is being
evaluated as a potential new treatment for Alzheimer's disease. This will
be the first clinical trial of E2012 in people.


Gamma secretase plays a role in the production of beta-amyloid, a major
component of plaque in the brain, which is thought to be a cause of
Alzheimer's disease. E2012 is a new chemical entity discovered by Eisai
and, in preclinical (laboratory) research, has shown some potential to
reduce the production of beta-amyloid by modulating the function of gamma
secretase. E2012 and its effect on beta-amyloid will now be evaluated in
people.


E2012 is part of Eisai's continuing commitment to advancing research
regarding Alzheimer's disease and increasing benefits to patients and their
families who are facing or will face this disease. As a leader in
Alzheimer's disease therapy, in part through its marketed drug, ARICEPT
(donepezil hydrochloride tablets), Eisai is pursuing a multi-faceted
approach to Alzheimer's disease research that includes investigating genes
responsible for the onset of the disease, immunotherapy and vaccine
therapy.


Information About ARICEPT Treatment in Alzheimer's disease
While there is no cure for Alzheimer's disease, medical treatments are
available to manage symptoms of the disease. Once-a-day prescription
ARICEPT is indicated for mild to moderate Alzheimer's disease.
ARICEPT is an acetylcholinesterase inhibitor and is believed to work by
inhibiting the breakdown of acetylcholine, thereby increasing available
levels of this chemical in the brain. There is an established association
between the loss of acetylcholine, a brain chemical involved in memory and
thinking, and Alzheimer's disease.


In a progressively degenerative disease such as Alzheimer's,
improvement, stabilization, or a less-than-expected decline over time is
considered a positive response to treatment. These types of responses have
been observed in patients treated with ARICEPT in clinical trials for
Alzheimer's disease. Individual responses to treatment vary, and some
patients may not respond.


ARICEPT is the number one prescribed Alzheimer's disease therapy
worldwide, with more than 2.5 billion patient days of ARICEPT therapy.
Nearly 2.3 million people in the United States alone have taken ARICEPT.
ARICEPT is well tolerated but may not be for everyone. Some people may
have nausea, diarrhea, not sleep well or vomit. Some people may have muscle
cramps, feel very tired, or may not want to eat. In studies, these side
effects were usually mild and went away over time. People at risk for
stomach ulcers or who take certain other medicines should tell their
doctors because serious stomach problems, such as bleeding, may get worse.


Some people who take ARICEPT may experience fainting.
ARICEPT is co-promoted in the United States by Eisai Inc. and Pfizer
Inc, which are dedicated to advances in Alzheimer's therapy. For more
information about managing Alzheimer's disease and about ARICEPT, and for
prescribing information on ARICEPT, please visit the website
aricept.


About Eisai Co., Ltd.


Eisai Co., Ltd. is a research-based human health care company that
discovers, develops and markets products in more than 30 countries. Through
a global network of research facilities, manufacturing sites and marketing
subsidiaries, Eisai actively participates in all aspects of the worldwide
health care system. Eisai employs more than 8,000 people worldwide.


About Eisai Medical Research Inc.


Eisai Medical Research Inc. is a U.S. pharmaceutical subsidiary of
Eisai Co., Ltd. Eisai Medical Research Inc. was established to focus on
clinical research and to expedite clinical drug development of new chemical
entities and of new indications for marketed products.


Eisai Medical Research Inc.

aricept


View drug information on ARICEPT.