The drug Alzhemed is being produced by Neurochem. It prevents the accumulation of amyloid, a toxic protein that destroys brain cells in Alzheimer's victims. It's in Phase 3 late stage testing. The data on Alzhemed have been promising but scant. In a 2002 study it stabilized the disease in nine patients over six months, but the small sample left plenty of specialists skeptical. A clinical trial of the drug will wrap up in January, with results expected in the spring.

The drug Flurizan is being produced by Myriad Genetics. It inhibits the production of amyloid. It's in Phase 3 of testing with results expected next summer.

The drug MEM1003 is being produced by Memory Pharmaceuticals. It evens out the irregularities in brain levels of calcium - one of the first manifestations of Alzheimer's. It's in Phase 2 of testing.

The drug AAB-001 is being produced by Wyeth and Elan. It's a monoclonal antibody that seeks out and removes amyloid in the brain. It's in Phase 2 of testing.

The drug LY450139 is being produced by Eli Lilly. It blocks an enzyme that snips off amyloid fragments, thus reducing the production of amyloid. It's in Phase 2 of testing.

The drug ACC-101 is being produced by Elan and Wyeth. The vaccine prompts the body's immune system to attack and remove amyloid in the brain. It's in Phase 1 (early safety tests)

Nearly 60 drugs designed to modify the disease are in clinical trials. One is from AC Immune of Switzerland who recently struck a deal with biotech power player Genentech Inc. (DNA ). While known for its cancer treatments, Genentech just announced plans to invest $300 million for the rights to AC Immune's drug.