Studies have shown that an experimental drug slows the progression of early Alzheimer’s disease. It gives hope to the people suffering from it and their loved ones, who also have to deal with its consequences.
Alzheimer’s disease, a degenerative disease of the brain, is characterized by progressive memory and behavioral disturbances that, over time, prevent the affected person from functioning normally. It also affects the ability to perform work and interpersonal contacts. It is estimated that between 15 and 21 million people suffer from this disease in the world, and in Poland this number has already exceeded 350 thousand. One of the pharmaceutical giants has announced that it has an experimental drug that can help fight this disease.
Experimental drug for Alzheimer’s disease
Currently, there are no methods that would completely cure Alzheimer’s disease. However, there is “light at the end of the tunnel” thanks to an experimental drug called donanemab. It is supposed to help slow down the decline in cognitive and functional abilities in patients with Alzheimer’s disease (in the early stages). The manufacturer of the drug hopes to get approval in the first half of 2024.
The study focused primarily on the effect of the drug on the patient’s daily activities, including driving and cooking. Scores were measured using the Integrated Alzheimer’s Disease Rating Scale (iADRS). The late phase of the study included 1,182 people with early-stage Alzheimer’s disease. They found that the speed of these abilities decreased by 35 percent in 18 months.
Impressive results from Alzheimer’s drug study
The drug is administered intravenously every four weeks. Donanemab reduces levels of proteins in the brain (beta-amyloid) responsible for cognitive decline and the progression of Alzheimer’s disease. During the study, patients received the drug until these proteins were no longer detectable in their brains. The company says the drug was so effective that some patients in the trial—52 percent—were able to stop taking it within one year, and 72 percent within a year and a half. Researchers will continue to monitor the progress of patients.
During treatment, almost half of those treated with the drug did not experience worsening of symptoms during the year of treatment. On the other hand, 71 percent of those who took placebo had a significant worsening of the disease - the disease worsened.
In addition to the huge benefits of taking the drug, patients may experience side effects. Taking the drug can lead to cerebral edema and other abnormalities. The researchers rated the side effects as mostly mild, but the company also said three deaths were related to the drug, two of which were related to side effects such as cerebral edema or microbleeds. “Every drug, every disease, has potential risks and potential benefits,” said Eli Lilly chief scientific and medical director Dr. Daniel Skowronsky.
Source: Wprost
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