Alzheimer’s disease is a progressively debilitating condition that affects millions of people worldwide, and it has no known cure. But a new experimental drug has shown promise in slowing down the progression of this devastating disease.
The drug, known as Aducanumab, has been developed by Biogen, a leading biotech company.
What is Alzheimer’s disease?
Alzheimer’s is a neurodegenerative disease that affects the brain and causes memory loss, confusion, difficulty in thinking and eventually, inability to perform everyday tasks.
The disease generally progresses slowly, but in some cases, it can advance rapidly, causing severe disability in its victims. Age, genetics, and other factors can increase a person’s risk of developing Alzheimer’s.
The role of amyloid beta protein in Alzheimer’s disease
Alzheimer’s disease is caused by the buildup of beta-amyloid protein in the brain. This protein forms plaques in the brain that interfere with the normal functioning of brain cells, leading to the onset of Alzheimer’s symptoms.
Aducanumab, the new experimental drug, works by attacking these amyloid plaques and breaking them down.
The promise of Aducanumab
Aducanumab has shown promising results in early-stage clinical trials. In one study, patients who received the highest dose of the drug showed significant improvement in their cognitive function and a reduction in amyloid plaque buildup in the brain.
The results were so positive that Biogen fast-tracked the drug’s development. Currently, Aducanumab is undergoing Phase III clinical trials to determine its effectiveness in treating Alzheimer’s disease.
How Aducanumab works
Aducanumab is a monoclonal antibody that attacks beta-amyloid plaques in the brain. It binds to the beta-amyloid protein, allowing the immune system to attack and remove it. This treatment is known as passive immunization.
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In clinical trials, the drug was administered through an intravenous infusion, and the patients received it once a month.
What are the side effects of Aducanumab
Like all drugs, Aducanumab can have side effects. In clinical trials, the most common side effects were headaches, nausea, and dizziness.
However, patients who received the highest dose of the drug experienced some inflammation in the brain, which is a sign that the drug was working.
Who is eligible for Aducanumab
Currently, Aducanumab is undergoing Phase III clinical trials to determine its effectiveness in treating Alzheimer’s disease. The results of these trials will determine if the drug is approved for use in treating Alzheimer’s patients.
If the trials are successful, the drug will be available to patients who are in the early stages of Alzheimer’s disease.
The cost of Aducanumab
Unfortunately, the cost of Aducanumab is currently unknown. Biogen has not yet announced how much the drug will cost, but it is expected to be expensive.
If the drug is approved for use, insurance coverage will likely vary depending on the patient’s insurance plan. Patients may also be eligible for financial assistance programs if they cannot afford the drug.
The future of Alzheimer’s treatment
Aducanumab is not the only drug under development for the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease. Other drugs, such as BAN2401, are also showing promise in early-stage clinical trials.
Researchers are also exploring other approaches to treating Alzheimer’s disease, such as immunotherapy and stem cell therapy. While there is still no cure for Alzheimer’s disease, these new treatments provide hope for millions of people suffering from this devastating condition.
