New drug donanemab is 'a turning point in the fight against Alzheimer’s'

Full results about the Alzheimer's disease drug donanemab have been released today, supporting earlier trial results that suggested the breakthrough drug may slow down the progression of the disease.

Dr Richard Oakley, Associate Director of Research and Innovation at Alzheimer’s Society, said:   

“Dementia is the biggest killer in the UK and over 60% of people living with dementia are thought to have Alzheimer’s disease.

This is truly a turning point in the fight against Alzheimer’s and science is proving that it is possible to slow down the disease.

"Treatments like donanemab are the first steps towards a future where Alzheimer’s disease could be considered a long-term condition alongside diabetes or asthma.

"People may have to live with it, but they could have treatments that allow them to effectively manage their symptoms and continue to live fulfilled lives.

“Today’s full results support what we heard about donanemab back in May, that the drug is able to slow down the progression of Alzheimer’s disease by more than 20%. This study adds to the growing evidence that treating people as early as possible may be more beneficial, with the effects of donanemab greater in people who were at an earlier stage of the disease. 

'A defining moment'

Kate Lee, Alzheimer’s Society CEO said:

This is a defining moment for dementia research. But new treatments could mean nothing if we don’t fix dementia diagnosis.

"We estimate around 720,000 people in the UK could potentially benefit from these emerging new Alzheimer’s disease treatments if they’re approved for use here. But the NHS is simply not ready to deliver them.

“Everyone living with dementia deserves access to a speedy, accurate diagnosis to get the support and treatments they need, now and in the future.” 

Our CEO also shared her thoughts about the donanemab results on Twitter:

‘I know that there is so much to be done in order to ensure that we can get these drugs into people at the right time.’

Our Chief Exec @KateLeeCEO reacts to today’s donanemab news.

Read our full comment at https://t.co/RnxF6fnRNH. pic.twitter.com/T1PPMefyQy

— Alzheimer's Society (@alzheimerssoc) July 17, 2023

Early Alzheimer's diagnosis key

Dr Oakley added:

Diagnosis will be key to the access of any new treatments. We can’t have a situation where treatments are approved for use in the UK but people aren’t diagnosed early or accurately enough to be eligible.

"We need early, and accurate, diagnoses available for everyone and the NHS ready to roll out treatments such as donanemab and lecanemab if and when they are approved in the UK.  

“It’s also important to note that side effects did occur, although serious side effects only occurred in 1.6% of people receiving the drug.

"Regulators will need to balance these side effects against the benefits of the drug. We should also note that themajority of people who took part in this trial were white – it’s crucial that in future trials we see more diversity to prove that new drug treatments have similar effects for everyone living with Alzheimer’s disease. 

Just as we’ve seen a transformation in cancer treatment in recent decades, we’re really hopeful we’re on the same path for dementia.

"We’re so proud that research Alzheimer’s Society funded 30 years ago led to the breakthroughs we’re seeing today, and the research we’re funding now will be pivotal in unlocking more breakthroughs.  

“We will only see progress in clinical trials for new treatments if people from all backgrounds have the opportunity to join them.

"It’s not all about taking new drugs or having invasive tests, some trials are as simple as answering surveys and anyone over 18 in the UK can sign up."