The company says it observes a 36% reduction in the cognitive decline of treated patients, and hopes to obtain rapid authorization in a sector where treatments are lacking.
Hope in the fight against Alzheimer’s? The American pharmaceutical group Eli Lilly announced on Wednesday May 3 that a new treatment had demonstrated its ability to slow the progression of the disease during a large-scale clinical trial.
The company explains that it followed for 18 months 1,200 participants aged between 60 and 85 and who had not yet reached an advanced stage of the disease. According to his press release, a 36% reduction in cognitive decline was observed in patients treated with donanemab. They also showed a 40% reduction in the decline in their ability to perform certain daily tasks, such as driving, conversing, having hobbies or managing finances.
However, the treatment can cause serious side effects, such as edema or cerebral hemorrhage. Three participants in the clinical trial have died, according to the statement.
Already two treatments authorized in the United States
“These results confirm that we are entering the era of Alzheimer’s treatment”, rejoiced Catherine Mummery, of the National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery in London. “When the full results will be published” in a scientific journal “we can start to carefully assess the risks and benefits”nuanced Charles Marshall, of Queen Mary University of London.
Eli Lilly said he plans to file for FDA approval this quarter, and globally “as fast as possible”.
Two treatments have recently been approved by US health authorities. The authorization of Aduhelm (adecanumab molecule), in June 2021, was criticized by some experts, judging the evidence of its effectiveness insufficient. On the other hand, trials have shown a 27% reduction in cognitive decline in patients treated with Leqembi (whose active ingredient is called lecanemab), authorized last January. Expensive, these treatments are administered intravenously.
All of these new treatments target deposits of a protein called beta-amyloid. While the exact cause of Alzheimer’s disease remains poorly understood, patients’ brains show amyloid plaques, which form around their neurons and eventually destroy them.