A promising new drug from Eli Lilly is making waves in Alzheimer’s research. The experimental treatment, called donanemab, has shown great potential in slowing down the progression of Alzheimer's disease, especially when used early in patients with mild symptoms.
In a recent study, researchers found that donanemab can slow the decline in memory and thinking skills by 60% if it’s started while patients are still only mildly impaired. The results are based on data from more than 1,700 patients and were presented at the Alzheimer's Association International Conference in Amsterdam.
How Does Donanemab Work?
Donanemab works by targeting and removing harmful protein deposits called beta amyloid from the brain. These deposits are linked to the development of Alzheimer's, so clearing them can help slow the disease. Similar treatments, like Leqembi, which was approved earlier, work in the same way.
The research highlights how important early treatment is in Alzheimer's care. According to Anne White, president of neuroscience at Lilly, "Earlier detection and diagnosis can really change the trajectory of this disease." For patients in the early stages of Alzheimer’s, donanemab has the potential to make a significant difference.
The Study Results
The study tracked patients for 18 months, with results showing that those who received donanemab were significantly less likely to develop new cognitive problems compared to those who received a placebo. In fact, 90% of patients in both the donanemab and placebo groups had no new cavities by the end of the trial.
However, the drug seemed to be less effective for older patients and those with higher levels of a protein called tau, which is also linked to Alzheimer's. The findings suggest that donanemab is most effective when used earlier in the disease.
Potential Side Effects
Like many treatments, donanemab does come with some risks. In the trial, about 40% of patients with a genetic risk for Alzheimer's experienced brain swelling, a known side effect of treatments that clear amyloid from the brain. Some patients also experienced brain bleeding. While these side effects can be serious, most were manageable with careful monitoring using MRIs, according to study investigators.
It’s important for doctors to keep a close eye on patients receiving this treatment to ensure their safety.
The Future of Alzheimer's Treatment
Lilly hopes to get approval for donanemab from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) by the end of this year. If approved, it could be a game-changer for treating Alzheimer's, especially for those in the early stages of the disease. This drug, along with others like Leqembi, brings hope to millions of people affected by Alzheimer’s, a disease that currently affects over 6 million people in the U.S. alone.
With ongoing trials and more data to come, there's real hope that treatments like donanemab could change how we approach Alzheimer's in the future.
Source:
https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/fullarticle/2807533?guestAccessKe…
https://www.reuters.com/business/healthcare-pharmaceuticals/us-fda-gran…
https://www.reuters.com/business/healthcare-pharmaceuticals/lilly-drug-…
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