Alzheimer's Association calls new trial results for experimental drug a 'breakthrough'

LAKE OSWEGO, Ore. (KATU) — Encouraging news came this week about lecanemab, an experimental drug used to slow the progression of Alzheimer's disease.

The New England Journal of Medicine published results from a Phase 3 trial of the drug on Tuesday.

The research shows lecanemab reduced symptoms of the disease by 27%. Patients with early signs of Alzheimer's showed less cognitive and functional decline after taking the drug compared with a placebo group.

TheAlzheimer's Association Oregon and SW Washington Chaptersaid they're excited about this news.

It's a huge deal. It's a breakthrough in Alzheimer's treatment. It really does alter the course of the disease. It gives people more time at a high level of independence to spend more time with their families, make their health care decisions, attend one more wedding or one more high school graduation," says Chris Madden, director of public policy for the Alzheimer's Association Oregon and SW Washington Chapter.

Madden said they expect accelerated FDA approval for lecanemab in early Jan. 2023.

Researchers say while lecanemab shows promise, the drug also had some side effects, such as headaches, brain swelling and brain bleeding.

"It is a serious drug, and it should be done in consultation with your health care provider and with your family, and there are side effects, so we need to be careful about what we're doing, but if people decide it's the right path for them, it should be their decision," Madden said.

Right now, lecanemab is only accessible to those in a clinical trial. The Alzheimer's Association is working to expand access to everyone who wants it.

Unfortunately, the drug will only work if our folks with Alzheimer's and mild cognitive impairment have access to it, and at the moment, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services has a ruling standing that will limit, severely limit, the access to this drug. So we're asking folks to step up and advocate for full access. Of course, the drug is not fully FDA approved yet, but based on the results that were released yesterday, we're confident it's headed in that direction, so we just need to make sure people do have access," said Madden.

He added that people can help advocate for full access by contacting their representatives in Congress, getting in touch with the Alzheimer's Association atwww.alz.orgor calling 800-272-3900.