In Boca Raton, Florida, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved a new drug called donanemab, which has shown the potential to remove amyloid proteins in the brain that are responsible for Alzheimer’s disease. Dr. James Galvin, a neurologist and director of the University of Miami’s Comprehensive Center for Brain Health, expressed optimism about the drug, stating that while it is not a cure, it can slow the progression of Alzheimer’s and in some cases, even allow patients to see improvement.
Donanemab is the second drug approved by the FDA to combat Alzheimer’s, with Lecanemab being the first. This marks the first time doctors have options to treat not just the symptoms of Alzheimer’s but the disease itself. Galvin emphasized that having multiple treatment options is crucial when dealing with a complex disease like Alzheimer’s, as it allows for more effective care for patients.
Galvin believes that this is just the beginning, citing over a hundred ongoing clinical trials as reasons for optimism for the future of Alzheimer’s patients and their families. He believes that these treatments will make a significant difference in the lives of many patients.
However, it is important to note that donanemab is a costly drug and can cause side effects, most notably swelling or bleeding in the brain. Despite these concerns, the approval of donanemab and the ongoing research into Alzheimer’s treatments offer hope for the future of those affected by the disease.
