Regulatory authorities review use of galantamine in mild cognitive impairment

Regulatory authorities are reviewing data suggesting that galantamine (Reminyl), a cholinesterase inhibitor licensed for mild to moderate dementia in Alzheimer's disease, was associated with increased mortality among patients with mild cognitive impairment.

The manufacturer, Johnson & Johnson Pharmaceutical Research & Development, made the announcement last week, following two trials that it conducted. The studies combined included 2048 people aged 50 years and over with mild cognitive impairment (insufficient impairment to be diagnosed as dementia). The participants were randomly assigned to receive 8 mg or 12 mg twice …