Eisai Medical Research, a U.S. clinical research subsidiary of Eisai, will initiate a Phase I clinical trial for E2012, a gamma secretase modulator that is being evaluated as a potential new treatment for Alzheimer's disease. This will be the first clinical trial of E2012 in people.

Gamma secretase plays a role in the production of beta-amyloid, a major component of plaque in the brain, which is thought to be a cause of Alzheimer's disease. E2012 is a new chemical entity discovered by Eisai and, in preclinical (laboratory) research, has shown some potential to reduce the production of beta-amyloid by modulating the function of gamma secretase. E2012 and its effect on beta-amyloid will now be evaluated in people.