The First New
Alzheimer's Drug, in 20 Years, Has Been Approved
in the United States.
Regulators in the United States have approved the first new treatment for Alzheimer's disease in nearly 20 years.
The BBC reports that the new drug, Aducanumab, targets the underlying cause of Alzheimer's rather than its symptoms.
The newly approved drug targets amyloid, a protein that forms abnormal clumps in the brains of people with Alzheimer's that can damage cells and lead to dementia.
The decision reportedly paves the way for the drug to receive approval in the U.K.
However, scientists remain divided over Aducanumab's potential impact due to uncertainty over the trial results.
Late-stage trials of the drug were halted
in 2019, when analysis showed it was
not slowing the deterioration of memory
and thinking problems. .
Later that year, U.S. manufacturer Biogen reportedly concluded the drug did work, as long as it was administered in higher doses. .
The BBC reports that the US Food and
Drug Administration said there
was "substantial evidence that
aducanumab reduces amyloid
beta plaques in the brain.".
They added this "is reasonably likely to predict important benefits to patients."
