FDA fast tracks MetroWest firm’s Alzheimer’s drug

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has granted fast track designation for Framingham biopharmaceutical company Alzheon, Inc. to begin expanded clinical trials of an Alzheimer’s disease treatment drug. 

The drug — ALZ-801 — is intended to target the underlying pathology and slow the progressive cognitive functional decline caused by the disease, the company said. 

Clinical plans include evaluating high-risk patients at the mild stage of the disease, the company said in a press release Tuesday.

Clinical data has shown promising results, Alzheon said.