New Alzheimer's Drug Receives FDA Approval

Last week, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved a drug called Leqembi. It is the first treatment that has been found to slow the progression of Alzheimer’s disease. Leqembi works by removing sticky deposits of a toxic protein called amyloid beta from the brains of patients in the earliest stages of Alzheimer’s. Although the results are promising, the FDA warns that Leqembi also carries the risk of life-threatening side effects for some patients such as bleeding or swelling in the brain.

Scientists say the drug isn’t a cure, but it can slow the progress of the disease and could give patients extra time with their families. University of Kansas Medical Center neurologist Jeffrey Burns said, “It’s a major step. And it’s going to change how we practice and how we diagnose. But I see it as a first step with a lot of steps hopefully to come, with new drugs and new approaches.”



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