Alzheimer's Drug Donanemab
An experimental Alzheimer’s drug, donanemab, was endorsed by a U.S. Food and Drug Administration advisory panel. The drug is designed to treat symptoms of early Alzheimer’s disease and has shown promising results in clinical trials.
Key Points
- FDA advisory panel endorsed the drug donanemab for treating early Alzheimer’s disease
- Donanemab works by clearing built-up amyloid from the brain
- Potential limitations include focus on amyloid formation and not enough attention to tau proteins
Pros
- Donanemab showed to slow cognitive and functional decline in early Alzheimer’s disease
- Potential approval of a new medication to slow the progression of Alzheimer’s symptoms
Cons
- Side effects such as brain swelling and tiny bleeds were observed in clinical trials
- Expensive treatment compared to existing medication Leqembi