Lecanemab and donanemab, two novel medications for Alzheimer’s disease, are gaining a lot of interest. These medications are thought to be the first to reduce the progression of the illness. Some people think this is a significant advancement, but others aren’t sure. They claim that the medications are costly and might not be effective.
A Breakthrough or Just More Disappointment?
Since the 1990s, British biologist John Hardy has been researching Alzheimer’s. “The new treatments show real progress,” he says. He told AFP, “We have turned a corner,” with optimism over Alzheimer’s care. However, psychiatric specialist Rob Howard is not in agreement. He believes that people are given “false and unrealistic hopes” by these medications. This dispute demonstrates the broader discussion surrounding the medications and how they affect the illness.
The Drugs and the Debate
Lecanemab was produced by two US businesses, Biogen and Eisai, and is marketed under the name Leqembi. Eli Lilly created donanemab, which is marketed under the name Kisunla. Not everyone is pleased with them, even after they were released. The substances are viewed differently in different countries.
Lecanemab and donanemab received US approval in 2023 and 2024, respectively. However, lecanemab was not approved by the European Union, which could harm donanemab’s prospects in Europe. Although lecanemab was approved in the UK, the National Health Service (NHS) does not offer it.
Lecanemab and donanemab are widely regarded as the most effective Alzheimer’s medicines available. But they only make a small difference. In early-stage Alzheimer’s disease, the medications appear to delay mental decline by roughly 30%. However, trials show that the change is little after 18 months.
High Costs and Risks
The high expenses and risks of these treatments are further concerns raised by some detractors. Lecanemab is particularly costly. According to a 2023 analysis, the total cost may reach 133 billion euros if all patients in Europe adopted it. Additionally, the medications may result in severe adverse effects like bleeding and swelling of the brain.
Proponents claim that the medications allow people to remain independent for a few more months. According to neurologists, if patients begin taking the medications early in the course of the illness, they may have better results. This is made feasible in part by faster diagnosis research.
The Science Behind the Drugs
These medications are based on a 1992 notion put out by John Hardy. He proposed that Alzheimer’s disease is brought on by amyloid plaques, which are present in Alzheimer’s patients’ brains. Drugs that targeted these plaques failed for years, raising questions. However, the first medications to demonstrate any success are lecanemab and donanemab.
Patients and Families Want the Drugs
Critics claim that there are other issues besides the moderate impacts and hefty prices. Christian Guy-Coichard is among those who criticize pharmaceutical corporations of having too close ties to Alzheimer’s organizations. Conflicts of interest arise, he claims.
Others think that patients and their families are the ones pushing for these medications. Families are pushing for innovative treatments, according to Benoit Durand of Alzheimer’s in France. The European Union’s decision to reject lecanemab is a mystery to many families.
