Donanemab, manufactured by Eli Lilly, may be approved for sale in the US after it has been successfully tested to slow the progression of Alzheimer’s symptoms by 35%. Test results published in the journal JAMA.
About 1,200 people with early stages of Alzheimer’s disease participated in the analysis. Donanemab was administered intravenously every four weeks. Compared to the placebo group, those treated with the drug had a 35% slower progression of symptoms. Cognitive function was assessed using tests and ability to perform daily tasks.
Eli Lilly, the company that makes the drug, said it expects an approval decision in the US by the end of the year.
Donanemab is the second Alzheimer’s drug to slow cognitive decline. A few days ago, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved the drug lekanemab, manufactured by Biogen and Eisai. In the early stages, it slowed the progression of Alzheimer’s disease in humans by 27%.
“These first-generation drugs are certainly not perfect, but they represent a significant breakthrough,” said Giles Hardingham, acting director of the British Institute for Dementia Research.
A JAMA editorial accompanying the results of the Donanemab trial states that the drugs did not improve Alzheimer’s disease, but did cause patients to get slightly worse.
Rebounds are also possible: Previous studies have suggested that anti-amyloid drugs also accelerate brain atrophy. Both drugs target beta-amyloid, a protein whose accumulation in the brain has been linked to Alzheimer’s disease. However, it is only one of the components of dementia.
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Source: Gazeta
Barbara Dickson is a seasoned writer for “Social Bites”. She keeps readers informed on the latest news and trends, providing in-depth coverage and analysis on a variety of topics.