LONDON: A second drug aimed at slowing Alzheimer’s disease has “successfully” been demonstrated in less than a year after another drug made headlines for being “highly effective” against the disorder that slowly destroys memory and thinking skills, and eventually, the ability to carry out the simplest tasks.
Experts believed what had previously looked “impossible” was now “on the cusp” of becoming a reality.
According to Eli Lilly, its new medicine “donanemab” reduces the pace of Alzheimer’s by around a third, the BBC said.
However, a dangerous brain swell in two volunteers—and possibly a third—led to their demise during the trial stage of the drug.
Donanemab functions similarly to lecanemab, which made international headlines when it was discovered to slow the disorder.
Both are antibodies like those the body produces to combat viruses. However, these are designed to remove beta amyloid, a sticky substance, from the brain. One of the characteristics of Alzheimer’s is the accumulation of amyloid, which forms unique plaques in the gaps between brain cells.
The long-running search for cures for Alzheimer’s disease is shifting, according to Dr. Cath Mummery, clinical director of the cognitive disorders clinic at the National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery in the UK.
Now that the illness is changing, it may be possible to treat and sustain someone with Alzheimer’s disease through long-term management of the disease rather than palliative and supportive care.
Although the full results of Eli Lilly’s trial have not yet been released, the following major conclusions have been made:
1,734 participants with Alzheimer’s in their earliest stages took part in the trial.
Donanemab was infused for a month until the recognisable plaques in the brain disappeared.
Overall, the disease was reduced by roughly 29%, and in a group of individuals who researchers believed were more likely to respond, it was slowed by 35%.
Additionally, those who received the medication maintained more of their daily activities, such as their ability to discuss current events, drive, or engage in hobbies.
However, brain swelling was a frequent side effect in up to a third of patients.
Despite being seen on brain scans, it was typically mild or asymptomatic; however, 1.6% of patients experienced dangerous brain swelling, which was directly responsible for two deaths and led to the death of a third volunteer.
According to Dr. Mark Mintun, vice president of neuroscience research and development at Eli Lilly, “we are encouraged by the potential clinical advantages that donanemab may provide, even though there are associated risks that may be serious and life-threatening, like many effective treatments for crippling and fatal diseases.”
The company said that it will start the procedure to have its medication licenced for usage in hospitals in the upcoming months.
Although there are “significant side-effects” and insufficient long-term data, according to Dr. Liz Coulthard of the University of Bristol, the medication “can help people live well with Alzheimer’s for longer.”
After decades of agony and failure, the discovery of two medications that halt the illness by focusing on amyloid in the brain has also persuaded experts they are on the correct route.
Professor John Hardy from the UK Dementia Research Institute, whose research 30 years ago gave rise to the notion of targeting amyloid, stated, “This should dispel any lingering doubts about this approach.” Two medicines are excellent for competition.
“We’re now on the cusp of a first generation of treatments for Alzheimer’s disease,” said Dr. Susan Kolhaas of Alzheimer’s Research UK. “This was something that many thought was impossible only a decade ago.”
However, these medications only seem to be effective in the early stages of the illness, before the brain has sustained too much damage.
Only 1-2% of people undergo spinal fluid or brain scans to confirm whether they actually have Alzheimer’s disease or another type of dementia for which medication would be ineffective.
