altThe level of first-in-class innovation in the Alzheimer’s disease space is exceptionally high, with more than 65% of pipeline products with a disclosed molecular target identified as first-in-class, according to business intelligence provider GBI Research.

The company’s latest report states that the Alzheimer’s disease pipeline is large, with 646 products in active development. Additionally, several first-in-class targets identified in the pipeline are also in development for multiple associated indications such as anxiety and depression, highlighting shared pathophysiological processes. Notably, G-protein coupled receptor signaling was the most prevalent signaling pathway identified among first-in-class targets for Alzheimer’s disease and its associated indications.

Fiona Chisholm, Analyst for GBI Research, explains: “Although the Alzheimer’s disease space is a challenging one due to an extremely high clinical trial failure rate, it maintains a strong level of innovation, with many pipeline products specifically targeting proteins widely considered to be underlying factors in disease progression.”

While established targets such as amyloid beta (Aβ) and microtubule-associated protein tau account for a sizeable proportion of the first-in-class pipeline, there are more innovative targets, such as those implicated in lipid metabolism and the inflammatory aspects of Alzheimer’s disease pathology.

Chisholm continues: “This likely reflects continued developments in the understanding of disease pathophysiology, the significant unmet needs associated with current treatments, and the rising prevalence population, which brings with it economic and social costs. Any product capable of demonstrating superiority over current therapies in terms of safety or efficacy – even in modest terms – could therefore prove to be extremely lucrative in the Alzheimer’s disease market.”

About GBI Research

GBI Research is a market-leading provider of business intelligence reports, offering actionable data and forecasts based on the insights of key industry leaders to ensure you stay up-to-date with the latest emerging trends in your markets. GBI Research is a trading name of GlobalData plc.