AstraZeneca and Eli Lilly and Company have announced a worldwide agreement to co-develop MEDI1814, an antibody selective for amyloid-beta 42 (Aβ42), which is currently in Phase I trials as a potential disease-modifying treatment for Alzheimer's disease (AD). This agreement builds on the existing collaboration related to AZD3293, a BACE inhibitor in two pivotal Phase III trials.

The build-up of plaques in the brain containing the peptide amyloid-beta (Aβ) is one of the characteristics of AD. MEDI1814 binds selectively to Aβ42, a form of Aβ which is particularly associated with the disease. MEDI1814 dose-dependently reduces levels of this peptide, potentially slowing the progression of AD.

Mene Pangalos, Executive Vice President, IMED Biotech Unit and Business Development, AstraZeneca, said: "We are excited to build on an already productive collaboration with Lilly, which combines the expertise of our two companies, with a new programme focused on the amyloid beta pathway. MEDI1814 has a unique mechanism among antibodies in clinical development and could provide a distinct approach to treating Alzheimer's disease."

Jan Lundberg, Executive Vice President of Science and Technology and President of Lilly Research Laboratories, said: "At Lilly, we recognise the significant burden Alzheimer's disease places on patients, caregivers and our society and we remain committed to finding ways to change the course of the disease. We are pleased to be expanding our alliance with AstraZeneca to further build our pipeline of potential medicines and diagnostic agents. AstraZeneca brings capabilities and expertise and most importantly shares our passion to bring new medicines to patients suffering from this debilitating illness."

About Eli Lilly and Company
Lilly is a global healthcare leader that unites caring with discovery to make life better for people around the world. We were founded more than a century ago by a man committed to creating high-quality medicines that meet real needs, and today we remain true to that mission in all our work. Across the globe, Lilly employees work to discover and bring life-changing medicines to those who need them, improve the understanding and management of disease, and give back to communities through philanthropy and volunteerism.

About AstraZeneca
AstraZeneca is a global, science-led biopharmaceutical company that focuses on the discovery, development and commercialisation of prescription medicines, primarily for the treatment of diseases in three main therapy areas - Oncology, Cardiovascular & Metabolic Diseases and Respiratory. The Company also is selectively active in the areas of autoimmunity, neuroscience and infection. AstraZeneca operates in over 100 countries and its innovative medicines are used by millions of patients worldwide.