New Alzheimer's Drug Provides Hope for Israeli Patients and Families
Israeli physicians and the families of patients in the early stages of Alzheimer's and similar illnesses are finding renewed hope with the recent approval of a drug by the FDA to combat dementia. Leqembi, developed by Eisai and Biogen, received initial approval for limited use in January. However, on Thursday, the FDA expanded the approved use of the drug to encompass a broader treatment scope for this debilitating condition. In clinical trials, Leqembi demonstrated the ability to slow symptoms by approximately 30%.
The FDA described Leqembi as the first amyloid beta-directed antibody to transition from accelerated approval to traditional approval for Alzheimer's disease treatment. The drug works by reducing the amyloid plaques that form in the brain, a defining pathophysiological characteristic of the disease.
Israeli availability of the drug is anticipated in the coming weeks, following approval from the Health Ministry. However, its inclusion in the list of drugs covered by health maintenance organizations (HMOs) is yet to be determined during the next panel for drug approval.
Dementia is caused by various degenerative illnesses that affect the brain, with Alzheimer's being the most common among them. It manifests as a progressive and irreversible decline in mental abilities, with initial symptoms including memory loss, changes in independent thinking, and orientation. Over time, individuals experience difficulties performing simple tasks, communicating, and exhibit behavioral changes. In advanced stages, the illnesses can lead to brain hemorrhage and a complete loss of cognitive capacities.
Professor Ramit Ravona-Springer, Director of the Psychogeriatric and Memory Clinic at the Sheba Medical Center, highlighted the leading theory linking dementia and Alzheimer's to the accumulation of sticky amyloid plaques in the brain, which triggers a degenerative process and eventually results in symptoms.