Targacept Launches Phase 2b Study of AZD3480

The Phase 2b study will evaluate the efficacy of AZD3480 head-to-head with donepezil, the marketed medication most often prescribed for Alzheimer's disease.

Clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company Targacept has announced the initiation of a potential registration study of AZD3480 in mild to moderate Alzheimer's disease.

The study is the subject of a Special Protocol Assessment (SPA) agreement with the U.S. FDA. AZD3480 is licensed to AstraZeneca pursuant to a collaboration agreement focused in cognitive disorders. Under a prior amendment to the collaboration agreement, it was agreed that Targacept will conduct and bear all costs and expenses for the study and that AstraZeneca will pay Targacept for certain events with respect to the study.

The Phase 2b study will evaluate the efficacy of AZD3480 head-to-head with donepezil, the marketed medication most often prescribed for Al