The results of a trial of Alzheimer’s drug donanemab have been hailed as “another milestone” in the fight against dementia.
The trial demonstrated that the drug was able to slow clinical decline by 35 per cent in people with early-stage Alzheimer’s disease, whose brain scans showed low or medium levels of tau protein.
The antibody medicine clears up the build-up of this protein in the brain of people with Alzheimer’s, and whilst not a cure, it has been hailed as marking a new phase where the disease can be treated.
The trial, known as TRAILBLAZER ALZ-2, included nearly 1,800 people with early-stage Alzheimer’s disease.
However, the drug – manufactured by pharmaceutical company Eli Lilly – had no positive effect on people with high tau levels, and 24 per cent of trial participants experienced side effects including brain swelling.
Nevertheless, for its impact in early-stage Alzheimer’s, it has been hailed as confirming that “the outlook for dementia and its impact on people and society is finally changing”.
In response to the drug’s successes, Alzheimer’s Research UK has written to Eli Lilly calling on them to put donanemab forward for regulatory review in the UK without delay.
“We believe this review should be conducted by the UK regulators as a priority,” said Dr Susan Kohlhaas, executive director of research and partnerships at Alzheimer’s Research UK.
“We owe it to people living with dementia now, and to future generations, to use this moment to invest in future treatments that will transform the lives of people with dementia even more.”
Dr Richard Oakley, associate director of research and innovation at Alzheimer’s Society, said: “This is truly a turning point in the fight against Alzheimer’s and science is proving that it is possible to slow down the disease.
“Treatments like donanemab are the first steps towards a future where Alzheimer’s disease could be considered a long-term condition alongside diabetes or asthma.
“People may have to live with it, but they could have treatments that allow them to effectively manage their symptoms and continue to live fulfilled lives.
“This study adds to the growing evidence that treating people as early as possible may be more beneficial, with the effects of donanemab greater in people who were at an earlier stage of the disease.”
