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Biogen aiming for Aducanumab to slow Alzheimer’s progression

pharmafile | October 23, 2019 | News story | Research and Development  

US firm Biogen is hoping for approval to bring about a treatment that could slow the onset of Alzheimer’s disease.

The aim is based on results from a medical trial that could prove to be a huge step forward in successfully controlling the most common form of dementia.

The company is now seeking federal approval and aims to make the drug available for the debilitating disease within two years.

The studies itself showed that of over 3,000 patients with Alzheimer’s, aducanumab led to a significant slowing of the disease’s progression.

Michel Vounatsos, CEO at Biogen, said: “We got clear support from the FDA. With such a devastating disease that affects tens of millions worldwide, today’s announcement is truly heartening in the fight against Alzheimer’s”.

The new analysis of results suggests that the drug helped reduce a decline of thinking abilities at the highest dose as aducanumab aims to clear the harmful plaques from the brain.

The drug itself is also being co-manufactured by Japanese drugs firm, Eisai.

In the study itself Aducanumab was given as monthly infusions and in one study those given a high dose showed 23% less decline on one measure of thinking skills as well as smaller declines on other measures.

The company however did not state how much difference it made in practical matters.

Rebecca Edelmayer, a researcher at the Alzheimer’s Association said: “We’re really encouraged by the information that Biogen has provided and it is the largest benefit so far for any experimental medicine.”

Nik Kiran


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