Breakthrough in Alzheimer's Treatment

New research indicates significant therapeutic potential in Alzheimer's disease using new drugs that clear beta-amyloid protein from the brain.

The drugs, Donanemab and Lecanemab, have shown significant success in Phase 3 clinical trials, and may lead to a major change in the way the disease is treated.

What is Alzheimer's disease?

Alzheimer's disease is a neurodegenerative disease that affects the brain, causing progressive decline in memory, cognition, and other functions.
The main characteristic of the disease is the accumulation of an abnormal protein called beta-amyloid in the brain.

How do the new drugs work?

Donanemab and Lecanemab are monoclonal antibodies that target the beta-amyloid protein.
They work by binding to the protein and clearing it from the brain.

Clinical trial results

Phase 3 clinical trials showed that Donanemab and Lecanemab significantly reduced levels of beta-amyloid protein in the brains of patients in the early stages of Alzheimer's: mild cognitive impairment to mild dementia. It is important to note that the drugs were studied and approved only for the early stage of the disease, while patients with moderate or advanced stages were excluded from the trials.

Additionally, a slowing in the rate of cognitive decline was observed in patients treated with these drugs.

Additional therapeutic effects

Studies suggest that clearing beta-amyloid protein from the brain may lead to additional therapeutic effects, such as:

• Improvement in memory function
• Improvement in thinking ability
• Slowing decline in daily abilities
• Improvement in quality of life

Further details:

• Donanemab and Lecanemab are biologic drugs known as monoclonal antibodies.
• They are administered via intravenous infusion.
• These treatments are not yet available to the general public and can only be received through clinical trials or special access programs.
• Possible side effects include headaches, nausea, fatigue, and allergic reactions.
• The most notable side effect is ARIA, brain changes including brain swelling and tiny hemorrhages. These changes are relatively common on imaging tests (about 20 to 25 percent of patients), but in the vast majority of cases, they are not accompanied by symptoms. Only a minority of patients (about 3 to 6 percent) experience symptoms, and in rare cases, they can be severe. Therefore, periodic imaging monitoring is required throughout treatment.
• Further studies are needed to evaluate the long-term efficacy and safety of Donanemab and Lecanemab.
• These studies will also examine the effect of treatment on the quality of life of Alzheimer's patients.

Importance of the breakthrough

The breakthrough in treating Alzheimer's disease with Donanemab and Lecanemab is of great importance because it offers, for the first time, an effective treatment for reducing the accumulation of beta-amyloid protein in the brain.

However, it is important to note that:

• These drugs do not cure Alzheimer's disease.
• They may slow the progression of the disease and improve the quality of life for patients.
• Further studies are needed to understand the long-term effects of the treatment.

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References:
https://www.sens.org/from-parachutes-to-jetpacks-clearing-brain-beta-amyloid-with-donanemab-or-lecanemab-works/