ACADIA begins drug trial to assist Alzheimer's patient

ACADIA Pharmaceuticals' Phase II SERENE trial involving pimavanserin has begun.
Pimavanserin was developed to treat patients with Alzheimer's disease who are experiencing agitation (AD Agitation).
“AD Agitation is a common condition and a major cause of distress for Alzheimer’s patients, their families and caregivers,” ACADIA Executive Vice President and Head of Research and Development Dr. Serge Stankovic said. “It also is associated with more rapid decline and earlier institutionalization of patients with AD Agitation. With no FDA-approved therapy for AD Agitation, there is a large, unmet need for a new treatment option for patients.”
Pimavanserin is a selective serotonin inverse agonist designed to treat 5-HT2A receptors. The medication has specific mannerisms that are similar to off-label products used to treat AD Agitation.