The humanized monoclonal antibody, AAB-001, which binds to and clears beta amyloid peptide, is designed to provide antibodies to beta amyloid directly to the patient, rather than requiring the patient to mount his/her own individual response. It is believed that this approach may eliminate the need for the patient to mount an immune response to beta amyloid. Animal studies have shown that this approach is equally effective in clearing beta amyloid from the brain as traditional active immunization methods.
This is a multicenter, double-blind, placebo controlled, randomized, outpatient, multiple ascending dose study in male and female patients aged 50 to 85 years with mild to moderate AD. Approximately 30 study sites will be involved. Patients will be randomized to receive either AAB-001 or placebo. Each patient's participation will last approximately 2 years.