ACS Chemical Neuroscience Molecule Spotlight on ELND006: Another γ-Secretase Inhibitor Fails in the Clinic

ELND006 is a novel gamma-secretase inhibitor by Elan Corporation that was in the clinic as a potential treatment for Alzheimer's disease (AD). The clinical trial for ELND006 was halted in October 2010 due to liver side effects that are thought to be unrelated to the mechanism of action. However, this represents another small molecule gamma-secretase inhibitor that has failed in clinical trials (semagacestat) (http://newsroomlilly.com/releasedetal.cfm?releaseid=499794) which raises serious questions regarding this mechanism for the treatment of AD.