Alzheimer's disease drug development pipeline: 2026.

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Authors: Jeffrey L Cummings, Yadi Zhou, Yuxin Yang, Kate Zhong, Jorge Fonseca, Amanda Leisgang Osse, Feixiong Cheng
Cited by: 7
References: 10

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Discovery and development of new therapies for Alzheimer's disease (AD) are urgently needed to address the world's growing population of individuals on the AD pathophysiological continuum. Clinicaltrials.gov is a resource for studying drugs in development for treatment of AD. RESULTS: There are currently 158 drugs in 192 AD trials. Of the agents in trials, 39% are small molecule disease targeting therapies (DTTs); 34% are biologic DTTs; 18% are cognition enhancing symptom targeted therapies (STTs); and 10% are STTs being developed to treat neuropsychiatric symptoms of AD. Currently active trials require 54,728 participants of which 38,417 are in Phase 3. The biopharmaceutical industry sponsors 59% of AD trials including 72% of Phase 3 trials. Repurposed drugs represent 35% of the drugs in trials. DISCUSSION: The AD drug development pipeline has a growing number of trials and drugs in trials. A diverse array of AD pathophysiological processes is being addressed by drugs in trials.

Fields of Study & Subjects

Alzheimer's disease research and treatments Cholinesterase and Neurodegenerative Diseases Phosphodiesterase function and regulation

Publication details

Journal / source
PubMed
Publisher
Wiley
Volume
12
Issue
2
Pages
e70251–e70251
Publication date
7 May 2026
Language
EN