Five trial sites have halted studies of a Green Valley Pharmaceuticals Alzheimer’s drug. The company said it is in talks with regulators on the matter and will issue a statement later this week.

The drug, GV-971, was conditionally approved in China in 2019. GV-971 is described as “the world’s first AD drug that targets the gut-brain axis.” It is also the first new Alzheimer’s medicine in two decades. 

Treatment for Alzheimer’s usually requires a two-year follow-up visit, but GV-971 requires only a nine-month follow-up. GV-971 is partially covered by China’s public health insurance, reducing its monthly cost to 1,184 yuan (US$176) from 3,580 yuan.