What is "solanezumab"

n. A monoclonal antibody being investigated as a neuroprotector for patients with Alzheimer's disease.

Solanezumab (proposed INN) is a monoclonal antibody being investigated by Eli Lilly as a neuroprotector for patients with Alzheimer's disease. The drug attracted extensive media coverage proclaiming it a breakthrough, and the drug is currently undergoing Phase III trials.

Solanezumab, or sola, binds the amyloid-β peptides that aggregate and form plaques in the brain that are an early pathological feature of Alzheimer's disease. Sola binds the central epitope of monomeric amyloid-β, KLVFFAD, (PDB ID 4XXD) with picomolar affinity. This epitope is known as the nucleation site for Aβ oligomerization, and it is these oligomers of Aβ that are thought to be toxic to neurons.

The two Phase III trials were EXPEDITION 1 and EXPEDITION 2. EXPEDITION 1 didn't meet the predefined assessments. Lilly changed the predefined study goal in EXPEDITION 2, but EXPEDITION 2 didn't meet that goal either. The drug currently has high expectations, however, amidst a market of failed Alzheimer's drugs by outside pharma companies.