EU rejects Alzheimer's therapy: Surprising decision causes excitement

EU rejects Alzheimer's therapy: Surprising decision causes excitement

The decision of the EU drug authority EMA not only caused excitement in the medical community, but could also have far-reaching consequences for people with Alzheimer's. The rejection of Alzheimer's active ingredient Lecanemab, which is already used for therapy in the United States, illustrates the challenges that scientists and doctors are in the fight against this widespread neurodegenerative disease.

background to Lecanemab and its effect

lecanemab, known as the trade name Leqembi, is an antibody that aims to slow down the progression of Alzheimer's disease in the early stages. Studies show that the drug can reduce cognitive dismantling by around 30 percent. It is important to know that Lecanemab does not relieve the symptoms, but only slow down the progression of the disease. However, this could be a significant gain in quality of life for many affected people.

meaning of the EMA decision

The decision of the EMA not to allow Lecanemab could have a major impact on the development of new therapies in the European Union. Neurologist Wenzel Gloss from the Magdeburg University Hospital expressed astonishment about the decision and emphasized that many experts were looking forward to the new infusion therapies. The German Society for Neurology criticized the decision as a dangerous step that could create the basis for unequal medical care. Patients who can get the medication through international pharmacies could be treated better than the majority of the population.

Potential risks of therapy

The EMA justified its decision with the risks of serious side effects, especially with water retention and micro bleeding in the brain, which can occur in around 30 percent of the patients treated. Such side effects require regular monitoring of the patients, which must be ensured by MRI examinations. These additional requirements raise questions about how practical and accessible the therapy in German healthcare would actually be.

The reactions from the community

in the medical community and the affected person spreads. The decision has the potential to leave many Alzheimer's patients back without suitable treatment options and could lead to dwindling hope for innovative therapies. Experts fear that this rejection could slow down research in the field of Alzheimer's therapies, which would ultimately have negative effects on the millions of people suffering from this disease.

the look into the future

Despite these setbacks, there is hope for new developments in Alzheimer's research. The Eisai company, which Lecanemab has developed, has the opportunity to submit a new application for admission to EMA within 15 days. This could offer new perspectives for the admission of the drug, the potential effect of which has encouraged many doctors and patients. A continuous dialogue between the medical profession, pharmacological research and the health authorities is essential to ensure the best possible care for patients.

- Nag