New hope for Alzheimer’s patients as FDA approves donanemab
In a major breakthrough, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved the drug donanemab, which contains an antibody designed to slow the progression of Alzheimer’s disease. This new treatment option offers hope for potential improvement in the condition of patients in the early stages of the disease.
Donanemab works by removing the accumulation of amyloid protein plaque in the brain, which is a hallmark of Alzheimer’s disease. The manufacturing company Lilly states that the drug will be sold under the name kisunla and will cost 32 thousand dollars per year. Clinical trials have shown that the drug can slow down the progression of Alzheimer’s disease, allowing some patients to live independently for a longer period of time and continue with daily activities.
Lilly reported to a panel of FDA advisors in June that late-stage clinical trial data showed significant results for patients taking donanemab, with a 35% lower risk of disease progression compared to those who received a placebo. The FDA advisors determined that the treatment is both safe and effective. However, Lilly did report some serious side effects during these trials, including a slightly higher mortality rate in patients who took donanemab compared to those who took a placebo. To address this risk, additional brain MRI tests are now being added for patients to identify any potential risk factors ahead of time.
Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive degenerative disease that gradually destroys brain cells and leads to mental function deterioration, memory loss, and other cognitive issues. Most patients die within 10-15 years of diagnosis onset. The approval of donanemab gives us another important choice in managing this debilitating condition and brings new hope for potential improvement in our lives or our loved ones’ lives.
This development marks an important milestone in treating Alzheimer’s disease and provides doctors with another valuable tool to help manage this challenging condition for their patients.
In conclusion, Donanemab’s approval represents significant progress towards finding effective treatments for Alzheimer’s disease, offering hope for better management options for those living with this devastating condition.