New Alzheimer’s-slowing medication labelled historic

Experts say that trial results of a drug which appears to slow the progress of Alzeimer’s disease represent a “historic moment”.

 

Pharmaceutical companies Biogen and Eisai have said their drug is effective when given in the early stages of the disease.

 

Although the full details have yet to be published, it appears to slow the pace of the brain’s decline and the limited data has generated excitement among dementia charities and scientists.

 

The drug, known as lecanemab, is designed to remove clumps of toxic beta-amyloid proteins that build up in the brains of Alzeimer’s sufferers.  Dozens of other drug trials have been unsuccessful, leading to questions about whether amyloid was really the cause of the disease.

 

During the latest trial, 1,795 patients in the early stages of the disease were injected with the drug every two weeks and regularly had their mental agility and memory tested.  The pace of cognitive decline had been reduced by 27 per cent over the course of the 18-month trial, when compared with people given a placebo treatment.

 

Dr Susan Kohlhaas, research director for Alzheimer’s Research UK, said it was a “breakthrough” and a “historic moment for dementia research” as it was the first large clinical trial “in a generation to successfully slow cognitive decline”.

 

Chadwick Lawrence’s specialist team of clinical negligence lawyers have years of experience in medical negligence claims, providing support and guidance after life-changing events.  Not only do we represent clients in Yorkshire, but because of our reputation we also represent clients nationally.

 

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Posted by Karen Motley, Clinical Negligence Department, Chadwick Lawrence LLP (tonymay@chadlaw.co.uk ), medical negligence lawyers and clinical negligence solicitors in Huddersfield, Leeds, Wakefield and Halifax, West Yorkshire.

 

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