Having treatments for Alzheimer's is a social emergency

At present, we are at a crucial moment in the approach to neurodegenerative diseases, thanks to scientific advances: new knowledge about the prevention of the disease¹, the use of biomarkers to detect it early and the emergence of new pharmacological treatments².

In terms of prevention, significant progress has been made in the last 20 years, and we now know that more than 45% of dementia cases could be prevented. As for biomarkers, some developed in research are already gradually being incorporated into clinical practice to improve diagnosis. In the near future, biomarkers will make it possible to detect the disease earlier, even before the first clinical symptoms. As for drug treatments, there are already drugs that have been shown to slow the progression of cognitive decline, available in countries such as the United States, Japan, South Korea, Israel, China and the United Arab Emirates, although not yet in Europe.

Recently, the Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use (CHMP) of the European Medicines Agency (EMA) issued a negative opinion on the marketing authorization of lecanemab, a drug for the treatment of Alzheimer's, citing concerns about the risk-benefit ratio for patients.

This news has been bittersweet both for the scientific community and for associations of people with Alzheimer's around the world. Alzheimer's affects families deeply, and treatments that give patients more time to live independently improve the quality of life for both them and their loved ones. Therefore, having treatments for Alzheimer's is an unmet medical need and a social emergency.

Despite the negative decision on lecanemab, this is not final and could be revised with new data. Several experts consider that the benefits of the drug could be greater than initially assessed, and propose measures to improve its safety, such as restricting its use to patients with a lower risk of side effects.

It is essential to rely on scientific rigor and evaluation processes to ensure the safety and efficacy of new treatments. It should also be noted that this medicine would benefit a limited percentage of patients, approximately between 1% and 3%.

The most relevant thing is that we are experiencing a paradigm shift in the approach to Alzheimer's. Drugs such as lecanemab have for the first time demonstrated the ability to slow the progression of the disease, a significant advance that, despite being only the first step, marks the beginning of a long path of research and innovation.

More investment is needed

Sustained investment in Alzheimer's research is vital to drive and accelerate the development of new scientific knowledge and treatments that transform the lives of those affected and those at risk.

It is essential to invest more in prevention, in biomarkers for early detection and in drugs that are increasingly easier to administer and safer. Only with more investment will we be able to find real and effective solutions against Alzheimer's.

Equal access

The Pasqual Maragall Foundation works to promote biomedical research in early detection through biomarkers, disease prevention and the advancement of new therapies by participating in clinical trials. It also supports patients and their families, and highlights the need to ensure access to all scientific advances, such as those currently being developed in the treatment of Alzheimer's.

Now more than ever, it is crucial to continue research to develop new treatments that are safer and accessible to everyone. In addition, it is essential to prepare healthcare systems so that, when these drugs become available, they can be used appropriately and safely, selecting patients correctly and ensuring optimal follow-up.

Finally, we reaffirm our confidence in the future of science and research. With the necessary investment, we will achieve new solutions that can transform the lives of people affected by Alzheimer's or those at risk. We will continue to work for a future without this disease, always putting the people who suffer from it and their families at the center of our priorities.
 

References

¹ https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736(24)01296-0/abstract 

² https://alz-journals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/trc2.12465