It was recently announced that the United States Food and Drug Administration has approved a new drug to treat Alzheimer’s disease. It is the first time since 2003 this has happened.
The drug, which is called Aducanumab but will be marketed as Aduhelm, has been shown to reduce levels of beta-amyloid, the sticky plaque that is the hallmark of Alzheimer’s disease, in the brain.
In a media release marking the approval, Dementia Australia said the approval was “exciting news” for the global dementia community.
Dementia Australia Honorary Medical Advisor Associate Professor Michael Woodward AM is quoted as saying that the new drug may have benefits when administered at the right time and at the right dose.
“When researchers examined more data that included more people who had been, for longer periods, on the highest dose they demonstrated a significant effect.
He went on to say, “Aducanumab should only be used in the early stages of dementia and may not work for everyone. It can also cause side effects and these need to be carefully monitored with regular MRIs.
“It is possible that, if used very early in Alzheimer’s disease, this drug will prevent the emergence of the symptoms of Alzheimer’s, but there is still research to be done in this area.”
Professor Woodward added that though there is no cure for Alzheimer’s disease, a drug that can remove the amyloid proteins is a significant step forward.
The drug is currently under review by Australia’s Therapeutic Goods Administration, with a decision expected in early 2022.
