Johnson & Johnson Halts Phase 2 Alzheimer’s Trial After Tau Antibody Failure

Johnson & Johnson has discontinued its Phase 2b 'AuTonomy' clinical trial of the tau-targeting antibody posdinemab in patients with mild Alzheimer's disease after it failed to demonstrate sufficient clinical efficacy53.

The antibody, posdinemab, is a monoclonal antibody designed to target phosphorylated tau, a key pathological hallmark in Alzheimer’s disease progression6.

The move marks a significant setback for tau-targeting drug candidates in the Alzheimer’s field, as hopes had been building for alternatives to amyloid-based approaches3.

Despite FDA Fast Track designation and initial promise shown in preclinical and early clinical studies26, J&J opted to end the trial early due to lack of meaningful benefit observed5.

Other tau-focused programs, like JNJ-2056, remain in earlier stages of development and are still being pursued by J&J2.

Sources:

2. https://www.stocktitan.net/news/JNJ/johnson-johnson-s-posdinemab-and-tau-active-immunotherapy-receive-u-3aae7w03p15w.html

3. https://pharmaphorum.com/news/jj-abandons-alzheimers-antibody-setback-tau

5. https://firstwordpharma.com/story/6685352

6. https://www.biopharminternational.com/view/fda-fast-tracks-j-j-posdinemab-alzheimer-s-disease