ALZHEIMER’S DRUG ‘HUGELY EXCITING’

ADRUG that significantly slows the progression of Alzheimer’s has been hailed as a turning point in the fight against the condition.

Researchers said the results of a global clinical trial were “hugely exciting”.

The drug donanemab was shown to slow the pace of the disease in patients by 35% compared to those on a dummy drug.

And the decline in their ability to perform normal daily activities such as managing finances, engaging in hobbies, discussing current events and driving was reduced by 40%.

Almost half of the 1,736 participants across the world showed no worsening of the condition after 12 months, while those at the earliest stage of Alzheimer’s had the greatest benefit, with a 60% slowing of cognitive decline compared to others taking a placebo.

The UK's drugs watchdog has started assessing it for possible NHS use but campaigners fear the Health Service is not geared up to deliver new treatments.

Donanemab works in Alzheimer's disease, not in other types of dementia, such as vascular dementia, is not a cure, and is not risk-free – brain swelling was a common side effect and at least two volunteers are understood to have died. disease, and we are excited to contribute to the development of this potentially groundbreaking treatment.

“The results of TRAILBLAZER-ALZ 2 are hugely exciting and we are proud to be offering patients the opportunity to access more opportunities in clinical trials. With every study conducted, we are helping more people and taking greater steps to find a cure and potentially change the course of the disease for thousands of individuals affected by Alzheimer’s.” Dr Richard Oakley, associate director of research and innovation at the Alzheimer’s Society, said: “This is truly a turning point in the fight against Alzheimer’s and science is proving that it is possible to slow down the disease.

“Treatments like donanemab are the first steps towards a future where Alzheimer’s disease could be considered a long-term condition alongside diabetes or asthma.

“People may have to live with it, but they could have treatments that allow them to effectively manage their symptoms and continue to live fulfilled lives.”

Kate Lee, Alzheimer’s Society CEO, added: “This is a defining moment for dementia research. But new treatments could mean nothing if we don’t fix dementia diagnosis.

“We estimate around 720,000 people in the UK could potentially benefit from these emerging new Alzheimer’s disease treatments if they’re approved for use here. But the NHS is simply not ready to deliver them.

“Everyone living with dementia deserves access to a speedy, accurate diagnosis to get the support and treatments they need, now and in the future.”