Pfizer Alzheimer''s Disease Drug Fails in Study

A promising Alzheimer''s disease drug Pfizer Inc. and a partner are developing failed to work in a late-stage study, a disappointment after the potential blockbuster kept symptoms from worsening for a year in a prior test. According to the Associated Press, Pfizer and partner Medivation Inc. said that the experimental drug, Dimebon, failed to meet its primary and secondary goals -- improving thinking ability and overall daily function over six months in patients with mild to moderate Alzheimer''s disease. The results don''t necessarily spell the end for Dimebon, one of New York-based Pfizer''s key prospects. Medivation and Pfizer, the world''s biggest drugmaker by revenue, are continuing three studies that could prove Dimebon helps patients in combination with other Alzheimer''s drugs or when used for a longer period.