FDA Approves New Alzheimer's Treatment

LUBBOCK,TX- The FDA has granted accelerated approval for a new treatment for those battling Alzheimer’s disease.

The medication, ADUHELM, designed by Biogen, treats mild cognitive impairment that is usually associated with the early stages of Alzheimer’s.

Aduhelm is the first and only Alzheimer’s treatment. It works by reducing the amyloid beta plaque in the brain. This is a defining pathology of the disease. 

“This approval represents a major advance in the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease. By reducing amyloid beta plaques in the brain, we are addressing one of the defining pathologies of the disease. People with Alzheimer’s disease, together with their doctors, can now decide if the treatment is right for them.” Butler Hospital’s Director of Neurology and the Memory and Aging Program, Dr. Stephen Salloway said.

The FDA gave Biogen accelerated approval based on on the data collected during the clinic trials. 

The Alzheimer’s Association in West Texas sees this as a sign of good things.

“We’ve got some hope out there. And that it’s just going to lead us down that path of more effective therapies, more effective drugs and like I said, we’re going to end this disease,” Julie Gray, the Director of Development said. “So, when given to those with mild cognitive impairment or early stages of Alzheimer’s disease it can slow that progression and that’s giving more precious time to those diagnosed individuals and their loved ones,”

Aduhelm is administered intravenously once a month.

The one drawback to this new drug is the cost. Biogen’s website says that the cost of one month of Aduhelm is $4,312.00 which is over $50K a year.

This drug also treats the disease and not just the symptoms of it. It is also important to know that Aduhelm is not a cure, just a treatment.

“It’s going to lead us down a path of more effective therapies, more effective drugs, and like I said, We’re going to end this disease.” Gray said.

To receive this new treatment, you have to do more than just talk to your doctor. You’ll have to enter into an FDA diagnostic test. You won’t be alone because the Alzheimer’s Association will do whatever it takes to make sure everyone who will benefit from the treatment has access to it.

Click HERE to read the Biogen press release.

Click HERE to donate to the Alzheimer's Association.