Boehringer Ingelheim is ending development of BI 409306 in Alzheimer's disease on disappointing mid-stage trial data.

BI 409306 was being investigated in two Phase II studies designed to show its superiority over placebo in cognition in patients with the condition.

However, a pooled analysis of the data showed that the PDE9A inhibitor, which improves signaling in certain parts of the brain, failed to meet efficacy targets.

“Disappointments are a daily experience in science, but even these clinical trial results will add to the understanding of brain function and contribute to future progress in this area,” said Dr Jan Poth, therapeutic area head of CNS and Immunology at Boehringer Ingelheim.

Further analysis will be needed to fully understand the results and how best to shape future research in Alzheimer’s disease, the company noted.

Two studies of BI 409306 in schizophrenia, aimed at prevention of relapse and at prevention of occurrence of a first psychotic episode, will continue as planned.