In a large study, the experimental drug donanemab slowed the progression of Alzheimer’s by about 35%. That’s slightly better than the drug Leqembi, which was fully approved by the FDA on July 6.
Patients in the early stages of Alzheimer’s may soon have a new option to stave off the loss of memory and thinking.
In a study of more than 1,700 people, the experimental drug donanemab slowed the progression of Alzheimer’s by about 35%, scientists reported at the Alzheimer’s Association International Conference in Amsterdam.
The result, published simultaneously in the journal JAMA, suggests that donanemab is at least as effective as the newly approved drug Leqembi (lecanemab), which was found to reduce progression by about 27%.
“This is the biggest effect that’s ever been seen in an Alzheimer’s trial for a disease-modifying drug,” says Dr. Daniel Skrovonsky, director of research and development at Eli Lilly, which makes donanemab.
The company has submitted the results to the Food and Drug Administration and expects a decision by the end of the year.
But experts caution that donanemab is no cure, and that its benefit amounts to only about a seven-month delay in the loss of memory and thinking.
“I do think that will make a difference to people,” says Dr. Reisa Sperling, who directs the Center for Alzheimer Research and Treatment at Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston. “But we have to do better.”Early treatment is key
Donanemab, like Leqembi, is a monoclonal antibody designed to remove a substance called beta-amyloid from the brain.
