Roche (ROG) announces the death of a patient in an early Alzheimer's study

An elderly patient died in a clinical trial of Roche Holding AG's experimental treatment for Alzheimer's disease, prompting changes to the study design, although the company said overall results supported further testing.

The disclosure was part of a data presentation at a conference focused on clinical trials for Alzheimer's disease. Roche said its drug demonstrates the ability to quickly eradicate a toxic protein while avoiding side effects often associated with existing therapies.