Cassava Sciences' Simufilam Fails Phase III Trials, Faces Stock Plunge and Controversy

Cassava Sciences announced the disappointing outcome of the Phase III trial for its Alzheimer's drug simufilam, known as ReThink-ALZ, which failed to show any significant reduction in cognitive or functional decline compared to placebo in patients with mild-to-moderate Alzheimer's[1][2]. The trial did not achieve its pre-specified co-primary, secondary, and exploratory biomarker endpoints, leading the company to cease a second Phase III trial, ReFocus-ALZ, and halt its expanded access program[1]. Cassava's stock subsequently plummeted by 85%, marking a significant financial impact amidst ongoing controversies surrounding the scientific credibility of simufilam[2]. CEO Rick Barry highlighted unexpected outcomes in the placebo group, which complicated result interpretations, and emphasized the firm's commitment to shareholder value, despite previous controversies regarding data integrity[2].