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A Bayesian perspective on Biogen's aducanumab trial
Author(s) -
Temp Anna G. M.,
Ly Alexander,
Doorn Johnny,
Wagenmakers EricJan,
Tang Yi,
Lutz Michael W.,
Teipel Stefan
Publication year - 2022
Publication title -
alzheimer's and dementia
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 6.713
H-Index - 118
eISSN - 1552-5279
pISSN - 1552-5260
DOI - 10.1002/alz.12615
Subject(s) - frequentist inference , bayesian probability , bayesian statistics , clinical trial , inference , contrast (vision) , bayesian inference , perspective (graphical) , dementia , econometrics , computer science , medicine , artificial intelligence , disease , mathematics
This perspective is a companion to a recent editorial on the use of Bayesian analysis in clinical research. We aim to introduce and highlight the relevance and advantages that Bayesian inference offers to clinical trials using the data on the amyloid antibody aducanumab presented at a Food and Drug Administration hearing in November 2020 as an applied example. We apply Bayesian analysis of model plausibility and effect sizes based on simulated data of the two phase 3 trials of aducanumab in prodromal and mild dementia stages of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Bayesian analysis can quantify evidence in favor of, or against, the presence of an effect (i.e., provide evidence of absence), as well as assess the strength of the effect. This is in contrast to the binary conclusions provided by frequentist tests.