DRUGS IN THE PIPELINE
LECANEMAB
Trial results announced in September made lecanemab the first drug proven in a clinical trial to slow progression of dementia.
It is an immunotherapy treatment given by intravenous infusion every two weeks for 18 months. It slowed cognitive decline by 27 per cent in patients with mild Alzheimer’s.
ADUCANUMAB
Aducanumab was approved for use in the US last year but rejected by the European Medicines Agency.
It became embroiled in controversy because trials failed to show clear benefits. Experts argued it was unethical to roll it out as it can cause side effects.
As the drug is developed by Biogen, which also manufactures lecanemab, it is likely to be left behind if the more promising drug gets the green light from regulators.
GANTENERUMAB
This was looking promising earlier this year after a high dose was found to reduce amyloid in the brain.
But disappointing trial results last week showed the drug did not meet its goal of slowing clinical decline in patients with early Alzheimer’s.
A study found some signs it had slowed cognitive decline, but these were not clear enough to be statistically significant.
The full results will be presented at the CTAD conference next week and experts say every trial helps grow our understanding of what works and what does not.
DONANEMAB
Studies suggest donanemab may slow down decline in memory and thinking skills.
Results from a phase two study will be presented at CTAD.