Eli Lilly announced that its drug "Donanemab" slows the progression of Alzheimer's disease by approximately one third. However, two volunteers, and possibly a third, died due to severe brain swelling. The drug consists of antibodies similar to those produced by the body to attack viruses. These agents are designed to remove a sticky substance in the brain called beta-amyloid. Amyloid accumulates in the spaces between brain cells, forming plaques that are one of the hallmarks of Alzheimer's disease.
Dr. Kath Mummery, the clinical supervisor at the National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery in the UK, said in a BBC report: "The decades-long battle to find treatments that modify Alzheimer's disease is changing. We are now entering a time of disease modification, where we can realistically hope to treat a person with Alzheimer's disease by managing the illness in the long term rather than providing palliative and supportive care." The full details of Eli Lilly's evaluation have not yet been published, but they revealed key results: "1,734 individuals in the early stages of Alzheimer's participated, and the drug was administered monthly until the characteristic plaques in the brain disappeared. The progression of the disease slowed by approximately 29% overall, and by 35% in a group of patients who researchers believed were more likely to respond. Those who received the drug also maintained more of their daily living skills, such as the ability to discuss current events, drive, or engage in hobbies."
