New drug claims to slow the progression of Alzheimer's Disease - Is this a step forward in the search for a cure?
By
- Replies 4
Are you or a loved one living with Alzheimer’s? The search for a potential cure to this devastating brain disorder has been a long and arduous one, but we may finally be one step closer to that sought-after breakthrough.
Eli Lilly and Co., a pharmaceutical company, has developed a drug that can allegedly slow the progression of Alzheimer's disease. This breakthrough is highly anticipated by families affected by the mind-debilitating disease.
In an 18-month study, the company revealed that their experimental drug, donamemab, was able to reduce the decline in thinking skills by around 35 per cent, compared to a dummy drug given to patients in the early stages of Alzheimer’s.
The drug has been designed to target and clear away a sticky protein called beta amyloid, which builds and forms plaques that block the brain, a notable hallmark of Alzheimer's.

A similar drug, called lecanemab, created jointly by Biogen and Eisai, is already available and has similar evidence that it could slightly slow Alzheimer's. There were, however, some cautionary notes about possible brain swelling, bleeding and other side effects.
Unfortunately, donamemab may come with similar risks. In the study, two patients died due to possible brain side effects, and a third patient died due to a serious complication caused by the drug.
It should be noted that the discovery of a cure for Alzheimer’s seems to be a long way to go.
Swiss pharmaceutical company Roches' experimental drug, gantenerumab, did not prove effective in slowing the progression of Alzheimer’s disease in global clinical trials, significantly disappointing researchers and families.
The preliminary results for donamemab still need to be independently verified, but it is still a welcome step forward in the battle against this devastating disease.
Members, we hold onto hope for a brighter future for Alzheimer's patients and their caregivers with the prospect of a more effective treatment.
However, we recognise that the road to a breakthrough cure is a long and uncertain one.
It remains to be seen if recent developments will yield the desired results.
In the meantime, let us continue to care for our loved ones with the disease and remain vigilant about the potential risks of drugs like lecanemab.
As with any medication, it is essential to consider the benefits, alternatives, and risks before beginning treatment. Always speak with your GP about any health concerns.
What are your thoughts on these recent developments on the cure for Alzheimer’s disease? Are you hopeful that the treatment will be available soon? Share them with us in the comments below!
Eli Lilly and Co., a pharmaceutical company, has developed a drug that can allegedly slow the progression of Alzheimer's disease. This breakthrough is highly anticipated by families affected by the mind-debilitating disease.
In an 18-month study, the company revealed that their experimental drug, donamemab, was able to reduce the decline in thinking skills by around 35 per cent, compared to a dummy drug given to patients in the early stages of Alzheimer’s.
The drug has been designed to target and clear away a sticky protein called beta amyloid, which builds and forms plaques that block the brain, a notable hallmark of Alzheimer's.

According to a recent statement by Eli Lilly and Co, their experimental Alzheimer's drug demonstrated the potential to slow down the progression of the debilitating disease in a significant study. Credit: Shutterstock.
A similar drug, called lecanemab, created jointly by Biogen and Eisai, is already available and has similar evidence that it could slightly slow Alzheimer's. There were, however, some cautionary notes about possible brain swelling, bleeding and other side effects.
Unfortunately, donamemab may come with similar risks. In the study, two patients died due to possible brain side effects, and a third patient died due to a serious complication caused by the drug.
It should be noted that the discovery of a cure for Alzheimer’s seems to be a long way to go.
Swiss pharmaceutical company Roches' experimental drug, gantenerumab, did not prove effective in slowing the progression of Alzheimer’s disease in global clinical trials, significantly disappointing researchers and families.
The preliminary results for donamemab still need to be independently verified, but it is still a welcome step forward in the battle against this devastating disease.
Key Takeaways
- Eli Lilly and Co announced that its experimental Alzheimer's drug, donanemab, appeared to slow the worsening of the disease in a large study.
- In the 18-month trial, participants in the early stages of Alzheimer's who received infusions of donanemab showed a 35 per cent less decline in thinking skills compared to those given a dummy drug.
- Donanemab is designed to target and clear away the sticky protein called beta-amyloid that forms brain-clogging plaques, a major hallmark of Alzheimer's disease.
- Indianapolis-based Lilly plans to release more details at an international Alzheimer's meeting this summer and is seeking Food and Drug Administration approval for the drug.
Members, we hold onto hope for a brighter future for Alzheimer's patients and their caregivers with the prospect of a more effective treatment.
However, we recognise that the road to a breakthrough cure is a long and uncertain one.
It remains to be seen if recent developments will yield the desired results.
In the meantime, let us continue to care for our loved ones with the disease and remain vigilant about the potential risks of drugs like lecanemab.
As with any medication, it is essential to consider the benefits, alternatives, and risks before beginning treatment. Always speak with your GP about any health concerns.
What are your thoughts on these recent developments on the cure for Alzheimer’s disease? Are you hopeful that the treatment will be available soon? Share them with us in the comments below!