Controversial New Alzheimer’s Drug Approved Despite Reservations
Follow via Flickr Link: https://www.flickr.com/photos/alzmglc/15311519476/in/photolist-pk2xi7-p5zz1T-pn36eW-pk2z4G-pn4Zzt-p5yHLJ-p5yCyQ-p5yy7H-p5yKrY-p5zBtP-pn2YxE-pn4BVM-p5ztkA-pmMonT-p5ziQo-bxQfpz-pmMxTM-p5zXeR-p5zbib-p5zQFk-pn3m45-pk2Tsf-p5zB8E-pn4N6g-4eGjGS-CFX1-pk2JQf-WfWjgu-pk2Lc3-3hQn2G-4kkzZx-6DojR2-51m44-7rJbFK-9YAmBr-fkWSC9-44Aksc-nSqng6-GAH7BD-j1M1Sk-gv1YhP-6Doi7x-3xK9k-6DoitF-dwaKm8-fkWSGw-6DoiYK-6DssxN-MhcFWN-o17RFw
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved the first new drug for Alzheimer’s disease in 20 years, but some doctors, including one at UAB, warned patients’ families not to expect much from the drug any time soon.
The drug, aducanumab, is expected to help slow the progression of the disease, but not to improve current memory impairments, according to a release from the University of Alabama at Birmingham. The university’s Division of Memory Disorders and the Alzheimer’s Disease Center have been involved in clinical trials of aducanumab for the past five years.
“The approval of the first disease-modifying therapy is a milestone for our field and a result of years of intense research. However, it must be understood that [aducanumab] is not expected to restore memory or reverse the symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease,” said Dr. David Geldmacher, professor of neurology at UAB and clinical core director of the center. “Instead, it is expected to slow the worsening of the disease. [Aducanumab] is likely the beginning of a new era in treating AD, but not the end of the story.”
Geldmacher said it would be some time before the drug is widely available, not all patients will be eligible to receive it, and many patients, especially with advanced disease, are not likely to see improvement from it.
The FDA approved the drug despite opposition from an independent advisory committee and some Alzheimer’s experts who said there was not enough evidence the drug helps patients, according to several news reports, including from the Associated Press.
The FDA did require the drugmaker, Biogen, to conduct another study to determine whether it benefits patients, and it could pull the drug from the market if its effectiveness is not proven.
Editor’s Note: UAB holds WBHM’s broadcast license, but our news and business departments operate independently.
Memory loss: As AI gobbles up chips, prices for devices may rise
Demand for memory chips currently exceeds supply and there's very little chance of that changing any time soon. More chips for AI means less available for other products such as computers and phones and that could drive up those prices too.
Brigitte Bardot, sex goddess of cinema, has died
Legendary screen siren and animal rights activist Brigitte Bardot has died at age 91. The alluring former model starred in numerous movies, often playing the highly sexualized love interest.
For Ukrainians, a nuclear missile museum is a bitter reminder of what the country gave up
The Museum of Strategic Missile Forces tells the story of how Ukraine dismantled its nuclear weapons arsenal after independence in 1991. Today many Ukrainians believe that decision to give up nukes was a mistake.
Jeffrey R. Holland, next in line to lead Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, dies at 85
Jeffrey R. Holland led the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, a key governing body. He was next in line to become the church's president.
Winter storm brings heavy snow and ice to busy holiday travel weekend
A powerful winter storm is impacting parts of the U.S. with major snowfall, ice, and below zero wind chills. The conditions are disrupting holiday travel and could last through next week.
Disability rights advocate Bob Kafka dead at 79
Bob Kafka was an organizer with ADAPT (American Disabled for Attendant Programs Today), a group which advocates for policy change to support people with disabilities.
