International experts gathered on 9 March to look at the current state of global clinical trials in dementia as part of the dementia landscape project series. Chaired by Dr Maria Carrillo and Professor Philip Scheltens, the dialogue included over 50 prominent figures from academia, not-for-profit organizations and governments to review progress made in clinical trails and where improvements can still be made.

The discussion was led by a short introductory presentation from Professor Jeffrey Cummings (Cleveland Clinic Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health) reflecting on the challenges and progress in clinical trials as well as reflections from Dr Mark Mintun (Avid Radiopharmaceuticals/Eli Lilly) on the Donanemab trial as an exemplar of the evolving design of clinical trials.

The global dialogues in the series are being held to help track progress made since the world’s first G8 dementia summit was held in 2013 in London. It was here that the international community of top scientists in the field, research funders, pharmaceutical companies and governments committed to accelerate the research agenda and deliver the first disease-modifying treatment by 2025 (a primary aim of the 2025 goals).