US approves Alzheimer's drug that modestly slows disease

FILE - This Oct. 7, 2003 file photo shows a closeup of a human brain affected by Alzheimer's disease, on display at the Museum of Neuroanatomy at the University at Buffalo in Buffalo, N.Y. On Friday, Jan. 6, 2023, U.S. health officials approved Leqembi, a new Alzheimer’s drug that modestly slows the brain-robbing disease. The Food and Drug Administration granted the approval Friday for patients in the early stages of Alzheimer's.WASHINGTON — U.S.

“This drug is not a cure. It doesn’t stop people from getting worse, but it does measurably slow the progression of the disease,” said Dr. Joy Snider, a neurologist at Washington University in St. Louis. “That might mean someone could have an extra six months to a year of being able to drive.” Last week, a congressional report found that FDA's approval of a similar Alzheimer's drug called Aduhelm — also from Biogen and Eisai — was “rife with irregularities,” including a number of meetings with drug company staffers that went undocumented.

Some 6 million people in the U.S. and many more worldwide have Alzheimer’s, which gradually attacks areas of the brain needed for memory, reasoning, communication and daily tasks. The larger study tracked patients’ results on an 18-point scale that measures memory, judgment and other cognitive abilities. Doctors compile the rating from interviews with the patient and a close contact. After 18 months, patients receiving Leqembi declined more slowly — a difference of less than half a point on the scale — than patients who received a dummy infusion. The delay amounted to just over five months.

Schrag and some other researchers believe a meaningful improvement would require at least a difference of one full point on the 18-point scale.

Health Health Latest News, Health Health Headlines

Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.

FDA Approves Alzheimer's Drug That Modestly Slows DiseaseThe drug, Leqembi, is the first that’s been convincingly shown to slow the decline in memory and thinking that defines Alzheimer’s. Riiiight. They have such a good track record of approving Alzheimer’s drugs ….
Source: HuffPostWomen - 🏆 27. / 68 Read more »

FDA approves Leqembi, Alzheimer's drug that modestly slows diseaseALZHEIMER'S DRUG: The drug, Leqembi, is the first that’s been convincingly shown to slow the decline in memory and thinking that defines Alzheimer’s by targeting the disease's underlying biology. MORE: It’s not a well thought out move on the part of the FDA.
Source: FOX29philly - 🏆 570. / 51 Read more »

US approves Alzheimer's drug that modestly slows diseaseWASHINGTON (AP) — U.S. health officials on Friday approved a closely watched Alzheimer’s drug that modestly slows the brain-robbing disease, albeit with potential safety risks that patients and their doctors will have to carefully weigh. 'The company has said the biweekly medication could cost anywhere between $9,249 to $35,605 annually.' Not necessarily fake news but this comes close. Slows amyloid deposition which is 'associated' with ALZ. Amyloid has not been proven to be the cause. What we do when state Is eal
Source: AP - 🏆 728. / 51 Read more »

US approves Alzheimer's drug that modestly slows diseaseU.S. health officials have approved a new Alzheimer’s drug that modestly slows the brain-robbing disease
Source: WOKVNews - 🏆 247. / 63 Read more »