A promising new Alzheimer’s drug may soon have federal approval.
An FDA advisory panel has unanimously endorsed the efficacy of lecanemab, a monoclonal antibody medication used for the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease. Lecanemab was granted “Priority Review” by the FDA, meaning the agency will take action on the application in six months instead of the usual 10 months, as in the case of a standard review.
Sold under the name Leqembi, the drug is intended to help those with Alzheimer’s maintain their cognitive abilities. While it is not a “cure” for the disease, it has shown promise in its ability to slow the progression of the disease, as previously reported by The Dallas Express.
A panel of officials gathered to discuss the drug on June 9. Joanne Bridges appeared before the panel and remarked on how the drug had improved things for her husband, Jerome, giving the couple a “new lease on life.”
“Alzheimer’s is a terrible, crippling disease for patients and their caregivers,” said Bridges. “The fact that Leqembi can slow the process is a giant step in combatting the disease and making life more worthwhile for those diagnosed with Alzheimer’s.”
Alzheimer’s Association President and CEO Joanne Pike released a statement praising the panel’s decision.
“The Alzheimer’s Association welcomes and celebrates this action by the FDA Advisory Committee to support traditional approval of Leqembi for people with early Alzheimer’s,” said Pike. “With this action we are one step closer to more people living with Alzheimer’s having more time with more of their capabilities intact — to do the things they want to do and love to do best.”
Some healthcare professionals, however, opposed the decision made by the panel.
“With racialized instance of Alzheimer’s and brain bleeding in Black patients and with their significant underrepresentation [2.3% of participants] in this trial, I cannot as a neurologist advise this group with lecanemab data,” said Dr. Dona Kim Murphey, a neurologist with Doctors for America, according to CNBC.
Scientists have documented that other ailments, such as obesity, one of the largest problems facing our nation, and DFW in particular, can also be a factor in how Alzheimer’s manifests itself.
The FDA is required to act on the application for lecanemab by July 6.
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