INTRODUCTION: Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a debilitating neurodegenerative 
illness affecting over 35 million people worldwide. Solanezumab is a monoclonal 
antibody that binds to β-amyloid (Aβ), a protein that plays a key role in the 
pathogenesis of AD. The drug is currently being investigated in Phase III trials 
as a disease-modifying treatment for AD.
AREAS COVERED: This paper reviews literature on solanezumab that is available in 
PubMed from 2008 to 2010, other treatment trials in clinicaltrials.gov and 
published abstracts from conferences. The article also provides a discussion of 
the early trials of AN1792 and an overview of the immunotherapies currently in 
development. The authors provide the reader with a critical appraisal of the 
to-date clinical trial data on solanezumab and its implications for the broader 
field of immunotherapies for AD.
EXPERT OPINION: Solanezumab can neutralize soluble Aβ peptides, which may 
represent the more neurotoxic of the Aβ species. Phase II findings support the 
compound's safety, which has been a concern for some Aβ immunotherapies. 
Cerebrospinal and plasma biomarker changes with solanezumab treatment are 
encouraging. Results of the ongoing Phase III trials will be instrumental in 
determining the drug's clinical significance.