Experimental Alzheimer's drug fails to slow cognitive decline in clinical trials

An experimental Alzheimer's drug failed to slow cognitive decline in a long-awaited trial, marking the latest disappointment in a research field that has been wrought with setbacks.

Pharmaceutical giant Roche said Monday that its drug gantenerumab did not show any substantive cognitive and functional changes, including memory, problem-solving, and orientation among patients in the early stages of Alzheimer's disease.

"So many of our families have been directly affected by Alzheimer’s, so this news is very disappointing to deliver,” said Dr. Levi Garraway, Roche’s chief medical officer. "While the GRADUATE results are not what we...