BIIB - Scientist casts doubt on amyloid theory for Alzheimer's; sees issues with Cassava images

A Vanderbilt University neuroscientist is throwing water on a long-held theory that beta amyloid deposits are connected to Alzheimer's disease, casting doubt on the development of many therapies in development for the condition.

Speaking with the magazine Science , Matthew Schrag reviewed a slew of images from studies related to Cassava Sciences' ( NASDAQ: SAVA ) simufilam and found that many of them were altered or duplicated. In addition, his own research does not support some of Cassava's ( SAVA ) claims.

The article revealed that Schrag was hired by an attorney who later used the information Schrag gleaned in a citizen petition submitted to the U.S. FDA on behalf of two scientists who held short positions in Cassava. The petition called into question the veracity of data in simufilam trials .

Even though the petition was ultimately rejected by the FDA , the damage was done and Cassava shares plummeted.

Cassava has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing regarding its data and did so again for the Science piece.

However, Schrag's research threatens Alzheimer's therapy research on a much deeper level as it contradicts the work of an influential 2006 Nature study that many see as providing the foundation for the amyloid beta theory.

On July 14, Nature editors posted a note in that study that it is investigating concerns regarding figures in it.

Schrag told Science that he came forward so that the public can see that misleading efforts could jeopardizes efforts to save lives. "You can cheat to get a paper. You can cheat to get a degree. You can cheat to get a grant. You can't cheat to cure a disease."

Biogen's ( NASDAQ: BIIB ) Aduhelm (aducanumab), though approved, has been a failure for the company, and is based on the amyloid theory. So is lecanemab, which is being developed along with Eisai ( OTCPK:ESALY ).

Roche's ( OTCQX:RHHBY ) gantenerumab and Eli Lilly's ( NYSE: LLY ) donanemab also target amyloid,

Check out what other theories are being tapped by biopharmas in Alzheimer's research.

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