New Alzheimer's Disease Research Offers Promising Results but Raises Warnings on Expectations

Researchers from Eli Lilly, Roche, and Biogen presented new data on three Alzheimer's disease drugs at the Alzheimer's Association International Conference, showcasing potential advancements in slowing the progression of the disease. However, several scientists cautioned against placing excessive hope on the incremental progress made by these drugs, emphasizing that a cure remains elusive.

Key Takeaways:

• The three drugs, solanezumab (Eli Lilly), aducanumab (Biogen), and gantenerumab (Roche), all target the accumulation of beta amyloid in the brain, which is believed to contribute to the development of Alzheimer's disease.
• Eli Lilly's analysis of solanezumab suggested that early treatment could make a significant difference for people with mild cognitive impairment, as the rate of degeneration slowed by about one-third.
• Biogen's aducanumab appeared to show promising results, with researchers homing in on a dose that balanced beneficial effects and negative side effects such as inflammation.
• A clinical trial of Roche's gantenerumab was halted due to disappointing results, but upon re-analyzing the data, researchers found evidence that a higher dose of gantenerumab could benefit patients with rapidly progressing disease.
• The data presented at the conference raised concerns that Alzheimer's disease may resemble a syndrome rather than a single disease, with multiple pathways and pathologies.
• Researchers are cautiously optimistic about the progress made in clinical trials using antibodies to remove amyloid from the brain, but emphasize that the data is not yet sufficient to declare the drugs effective.

Statistics:

• Over 5 million people in the United States have Alzheimer's disease, and the number is expected to reach 13.5 million by the middle of the century.
• The disease will cost more than $328 billion by 2040 when baby boomers will range from 76 to 94 years old and account for about 24 percent of Medicare spending.
• The Alzheimer's Therapeutic Research Institute at the University of Southern California at San Diego will continue to study the effects of early treatment on Alzheimer's disease.
• 13.5 million: The predicted number of people with Alzheimer's disease in the United States by the middle of the century.

Sources:

• By Frederick Kunkle, July 27, 2022, The Washington Post.
• Alzheimer's Association International Conference proceedings.