EU Greenlights New Alzheimer's Drug, Experts Highlight Early Prevention Importance
26 April 2025 路 Uncategorized 路
Result
The European Medicines Agency recently approved Lecanemab, a novel Alzheimer's drug developed by a U.S.-Japanese pharmaceutical company. This represents the first therapy designed to target the underlying cause of Alzheimer鈥檚 disease, rather than simply alleviating symptoms. While considered an important medical advancement, clinical trial results demonstrate limited effectiveness and potential side effects. German experts emphasize that 'early prevention' remains crucial in combating dementia.
The European Medicines Agency has recommended Lecanemab for patients with early-stage Alzheimer's disease. Unlike previous treatments that primarily address symptoms, Lecanemab aims to reduce amyloid protein deposits in the brain鈥攁 hallmark of the disease鈥檚 progression. However, clinical studies indicate that Lecanemab only modestly delays cognitive decline in the initial stages.
Patients receiving Lecanemab showed a reduction in dementia scores from 1.75 (placebo group) to 1.22 over an 18-month period. Experts contend that this difference is small and often imperceptible in daily life. Currently, the drug is approved only for patients with mild cognitive impairment or mild dementia who do not carry the ApoE4 gene variant.
German neuroscientist Walter Schulz-Schaeffer estimates that fewer than 20,000 of the approximately 1.2 million Alzheimer's patients in Germany might be eligible for Lecanemab based on the established criteria. Biochemist and science journalist Christina Berndt acknowledges that drug development signifies progress in the fight against Alzheimer鈥檚, but emphasizes that substantial work remains. She advocates for preventative measures, including healthy lifestyles, social engagement, and management of chronic diseases.
The European Medicines Agency recently approved Lecanemab, a novel Alzheimer's drug developed by a U.S.-Japanese pharmaceutical company. This represents the first therapy designed to target the underlying cause of Alzheimer鈥檚 disease, rather than simply alleviating symptoms. While considered an important medical advancement, clinical trial results demonstrate limited effectiveness and potential side effects. German experts emphasize that 'early prevention' remains crucial in combating dementia.
The European Medicines Agency has recommended Lecanemab for patients with early-stage Alzheimer's disease. Unlike previous treatments that primarily address symptoms, Lecanemab aims to reduce amyloid protein deposits in the brain鈥攁 hallmark of the disease鈥檚 progression. However, clinical studies indicate that Lecanemab only modestly delays cognitive decline in the initial stages.
Patients receiving Lecanemab showed a reduction in dementia scores from 1.75 (placebo group) to 1.22 over an 18-month period. Experts contend that this difference is small and often imperceptible in daily life. Currently, the drug is approved only for patients with mild cognitive impairment or mild dementia who do not carry the ApoE4 gene variant.
German neuroscientist Walter Schulz-Schaeffer estimates that fewer than 20,000 of the approximately 1.2 million Alzheimer's patients in Germany might be eligible for Lecanemab based on the established criteria. Biochemist and science journalist Christina Berndt acknowledges that drug development signifies progress in the fight against Alzheimer鈥檚, but emphasizes that substantial work remains. She advocates for preventative measures, including healthy lifestyles, social engagement, and management of chronic diseases.