Alzheimer’s treatment is on the verge of a significant shift with the potential approval of two groundbreaking drugs, Lecanemab and Donanemab, in the UK. These medications, the first to slow Alzheimer’s progression, offer new hope to millions.
Groundbreaking developments
Lecanemab, developed by Eisai, and donanemab, by Eli Lilly, target the amyloid plaques that are characteristic of Alzheimer’s disease. These drugs represent a pivotal advancement, marking a significant departure from the existing treatments that only manage symptoms rather than addressing the underlying pathology. Recently approved in the US and Japan, lecanemab and donanemab have shown potential in slowing the progression of Alzheimer’s, albeit modestly, by six months to a year.
David Thomas, head of policy at Alzheimer’s Research UK, emphasized the importance of these developments:
“These drugs are the first to directly impact the lives of Alzheimer’s patients, indicating we are on the right track to addressing this devastating disease. While they are not miracle cures, they offer a tangible benefit and pave the way for future treatments.”
Clinical insights and challenges
The efficacy of lecanemab and donanemab is primarily seen in the early stages of Alzheimer’s, highlighting the critical need for early diagnosis. However, their introduction into clinical practice presents several challenges. Both drugs are expensive—lecanemab costs approximately $25,000 (£19,700) per year—and require regular intravenous infusions. This poses logistical and financial hurdles for healthcare systems already under strain.
The drugs’ reliance on early detection further complicates their deployment. Accurate and timely diagnosis of Alzheimer’s is currently hindered by outdated diagnostic procedures and long waiting times. Traditional methods, such as pen-and-paper cognitive tests, lumbar punctures, and brain scans, are often slow and can be distressing for patients and their families.
Early diagnosis is crucial
The bottleneck in the diagnostic process can severely limit the effectiveness of these new treatments. Eleanor Mackenzie-Smith’s father, for example, waited over a decade for a definitive diagnosis of young-onset Alzheimer’s, enduring a distressing period of uncertainty and inadequate support. This highlights the pressing need for more efficient diagnostic pathways.
Researchers are actively working on developing blood tests that could revolutionize Alzheimer’s diagnosis by providing a quicker and less invasive alternative. These tests aim to detect biomarkers associated with the disease, facilitating earlier and more reliable diagnosis. However, their widespread implementation is still years away.
Innovative solutions
One of the significant hurdles in treating Alzheimer’s is the challenge of delivering drugs across the blood-brain barrier, a protective shield that restricts the passage of many substances into the brain. This barrier complicates the administration of treatments like lecanemab and donanemab, which need to act directly on the brain’s amyloid plaques.
Dr. Cath Mummery of University College London highlights ongoing research efforts aimed at overcoming this challenge:
“We are exploring innovative methods to enhance drug delivery across the blood-brain barrier. This could significantly impact the efficacy of Alzheimer’s treatments and enable us to diagnose and treat the disease at much earlier stages.”
Dr. Hakon Hakonarson, Founder and Chief Medical Advisor of Arctic Therapeutics, emphasizes the importance of integrating advanced drug delivery systems with early diagnosis:
“The approval of drugs like lecanemab and donanemab underscores the need for efficient delivery mechanisms. At Arctic Therapeutics, our research focuses on enhancing these delivery systems to ensure that treatments can cross the blood-brain barrier effectively. AT-001, our lead compound, is designed to work in synergy with existing treatments, potentially improving patient outcomes by targeting the disease more precisely and earlier in its progression.”
Conclusion
The potential approval of lecanemab and donanemab represents a significant breakthrough in Alzheimer’s treatment, offering the first real hope of slowing the disease’s progression. However, the impact of these drugs hinges on the ability to diagnose Alzheimer’s early and deliver treatments effectively across the blood-brain barrier. As the scientific community continues to innovate, combining early detection with advanced treatment methodologies will be crucial in transforming Alzheimer’s care.
You can learn more about Arctic Therapeutics and our work on AT-001 here.
Read the original article on The Guardian.
