Alzheimer drug shows promise in mild cases

BOSTON -- Combined results from two studies of an experimental Alzheimer's drug suggest it might modestly slow mental decline, especially in patients with mild disease.

Taken separately, the studies on Eli Lilly & Co.'s solanezumab missed their main goals of significantly slowing the mind-robbing disease or improving activities of daily living. But pooled results found 34 percent less mental decline in mild Alzheimer's patients, compared with those on a fake treatment for 18 months.

Doctors called the results encouraging, although probably not good enough to win approval of the drug now, without another study to confirm there is a benefit. Investors were more enthused, driving Lilly's stock up about 5 percent yesterday and about 19 percent since August, when the company described the results in general terms.

Detailed results were revealed for the first time yesterday at an American Neurological Association conference in Boston. -- AP