Experimental Alzheimer's Drug Shows Promise in Slowing Cognitive Decline, But Safety Concerns Remain

Eli Lilly's experimental Alzheimer's drug donanemab slowed the progression of cognitive decline in patients with early-stage Alzheimer's disease by 35% compared to a placebo in a Phase 3 clinical trial.
The drug meets a long awaited need for slowing the progression of the disease but also comes with risks like brain swelling and bleeding that caused deaths in some trial participants.
Donanemab targets amyloid beta plaques in the brain, a hallmark of Alzheimer's, and requires monthly intravenous infusions, limiting access.
Medicare currently restricts coverage of anti-amyloid treatments outside of clinical trials, but advocates are pushing for expanded coverage if the drug is approved by the FDA.
The pharmaceutical industry sees huge potential in Alzheimer's treatments, with 6 million Americans living with the disease, but safety, efficacy, and cost remain substantial hurdles.