Biotech firm Biogen has reported topline results from the Phase 2 CELIA study evaluating its Alzheimer's candidate, diranersen. The study demonstrated a reduction in tau pathology and a slowing of cognitive decline in patients with early-stage Alzheimer's disease, particularly at the lowest dose.

However, the study failed to meet its primary endpoint regarding dose-response on the CDR-SB scale after 76 weeks. Despite this, Biogen plans to advance the drug candidate into registrational studies.

'In CELIA, we believe we have seen an unprecedented and compelling consistency between efficacy and biomarker results from a tau-targeting drug in a randomized study of early Alzheimer's disease,' said Priya Singhal, Executive Vice President and Head of Development at Biogen.

'We are highly encouraged by these Phase 2 data, which give us the confidence to move diranersen into registrational development. We look forward to engaging with regulatory authorities and the broader Alzheimer's community on the next steps.'