In the wake of England’s health spending watchdog rejecting two promising Alzheimer’s drugs, donanemab and lecanemab, due to concerns over their cost-effectiveness and potential side effects, the search for effective treatments continues. Despite this setback, experts remain optimistic about the future of Alzheimer’s research, with approximately 130 drugs currently in development, many of which aim to delay, slow, or even reverse the progression of the disease.
While some emphasize the importance of ensuring access to existing support systems, such as diagnoses, therapy, social care, and symptom-managing drugs, others believe that disease-modifying treatments could play a crucial role in the fight against Alzheimer’s. According to a knowledgeable source, “There are many promising treatments coming through the pipeline.”
Amyloid-Beta Targeting Drugs: A Promising Approach
One of the most promising avenues of research focuses on targeting amyloid beta, a sticky protein that forms clumps in the brains of Alzheimer’s patients, leading to disruption in cell communication, inflammation, and ultimately, cell death. Monoclonal antibodies like donanemab and lecanemab work by preventing these clumps from building up, and despite recent setbacks, some experts believe that these drugs may still have a future.
Donanemab has not been ruled out forever and this decision could change. We will continue to track how well it works over longer time periods. Costs may also come down.
– According to a knowledgeable source
Other amyloid-targeting therapies are also in development, with some showing even greater potential than donanemab. Remternetug, for example, targets the same type of amyloid but is hoped to be more effective, practical, and less prone to adverse effects. Buntanetap, a small molecule that helps decrease the production of the precursor to toxic amyloid, has shown significant improvements in memory and thinking scores after just 12 weeks of treatment, without any serious side effects.
Tau-Lowering Drugs: Targeting Another Key Player
While amyloid beta has been the primary focus of Alzheimer’s research, tau protein has also emerged as a key player in the disease. Buntanetap, in addition to its amyloid-lowering properties, has been found to reduce levels of tau in the blood. Other drugs, such as BIIB080 or MAPTRx, work by “switching off” the gene that gives rise to the tau protein, offering another promising avenue for slowing the progression of Alzheimer’s symptoms.
Inflammation: A New Target for Alzheimer’s Treatment
Inflammation in the brain has been identified as another potential target for Alzheimer’s treatment, with drugs like liraglutide and semaglutide showing promise in reducing inflammation and slowing cognitive decline. These drugs, perhaps better known for their use in weight-loss jabs, have been found to reduce shrinkage in parts of the brain affected by Alzheimer’s. Several phase 3 clinical trials are currently underway to explore the potential benefits of semaglutide for individuals with the disease.
A Combination Approach: The Future of Alzheimer’s Treatment
As research into Alzheimer’s treatments progresses, experts suggest that the long-term goal is unlikely to involve a single type of treatment. Instead, a combination approach targeting multiple components of the disease, such as amyloid beta, tau protein, and brain inflammation, may be the key to effectively slowing or reversing the progression of Alzheimer’s.
It is also possible that for amyloid-lowering treatments to be more effective, we need to give them alongside treatments that target other components of Alzheimer’s disease such as tau protein or brain inflammation.
– According to a knowledgeable source
In conclusion, while the recent rejection of donanemab and lecanemab by England’s health spending watchdog may seem like a setback, the future of Alzheimer’s research remains promising. With numerous drugs in development targeting various aspects of the disease, and the potential for combination therapies, there is hope that effective treatments to delay, slow, or even reverse the progression of Alzheimer’s may be on the horizon. As research continues, it is crucial to ensure that those affected by the disease have access to the support and care they need, while eagerly anticipating the next breakthrough in Alzheimer’s treatment.
