Eli Lilly’s experimental Alzheimer’s treatment was ruled a failure in two earlier trials. But when investigators combined solanezumab’s data from both tests, they discovered that cognitive declines were slowed by 34% among patients who started out with mild symptoms. Based on those results, solanezumab has been selected for a federally sponsored study for people who have not yet suffered significant memory loss. Brigham and Women’s Hospital is helping coordinate the three-year investigation, which could cost up to $100 million.”This is the first time investigators will test an amyloid-clearing drug in older individuals thought to be in the pre-symptomatic stage of Alzheimer’s disease,” the hospital announced. They are hoping the medication will reduce memory decline by 30%.