A Breakthrough in the fight against Alzheimer’s?

On Monday 7th June 2021, US regulators approved a new drug for Alzheimer’s sufferers. Like thousands of other families all over the UK who have experienced the trauma of this cruel disease, we were excited and eager to find out more. 

WHAT IS THIS NEW DRUG?

The drug is scientifically known as Aducanumab and more commonly as Aduhelm. It has been developed by the Pharmaceutical Company Biogen. In the US this drug has been put on what is known as “the accelerated approval pathway” so it can become available to patients as soon as possible. 

HOW DOES IT WORK?

In Alzheimer’s, amyloid protein plaques build up in the brain and scientists believe these clumps of protein damage and eventually destroy brain cells. This causes all the related symptoms we associate with Alzheimer’s. Traditional drugs target these protein plaques BUT these plaques have already built up in the brain. 

In contrast, the new drug is to be used in the very early stages. It eliminates these plaques AS THEY BUILD UP and, therefore, before symptoms begin to take hold. 

WHY ARE FURTHER TESTS NEEDED?

There has been a little uncertainty about the data surrounding the testing of this drug. Therefore at the moment whilst it is being made available in the US, there will simultaneously be further clinical trials to further prove it’s effectiveness.

This is because there is mixed evidence from previous trials. In March 2019 two of the trials were halted as it was decided the drug was not working. However, after the data was further scrutinised, evidence was found that there was a positive impact in patients who took the drug at a higher dose over a longer period of time. This included the ability to perform everyday tasks, memory and recall as well as thinking skills. In the short term, patients being given this drug will be closely monitored and tested in order to gain further evidence.

WHAT ABOUT PATIENTS HERE IN THE UK?

At the moment this drug is only available in the US. Biogen has already applied for approval in the UK and Europe. And although Clinical trials are underway in the US, they are due to end in 2022 when it is expected to be ready for use here.

OUR THOUGHTS….

It has been over 20 years since Aricept, the last big drug to become available in the fight against Alzheimer’s, was approved. However Aricept, whilst effective in slowing the progression for a short period, does not impact on the progression of the disease. This new breakthrough is therefore very hopeful, not least because it targets the disease in the very early stages. 

Looking at the current rate of those living with Dementia and Alzheimer’s in the UK, it is projected that by 2025 there will be an increase from 850,000 to over a million sufferers.

Although there is a degree of controversy surrounding this drug, we believe there is reason to be both positive and optimistic. At the very least we hope that the publicity and initial success of this drug will also result in more related research by Pharmaceutical Companies. Because surely the more research, trials and testing there are will mean we are getting closer to finding an effective treatment or even possibly a cure.