The EU gives the green light to a drug that could slow down Alzheimer’s disease. The Swiss branch of US drug manufacturer Biogen makes the drug in Luterbach, Solothurn. The drug ensures that brain performance does not decline as quickly in early-stage Alzheimer’s patients.
SRF News: How does the drug that has now been proposed for approval in the EU work?
Bogdan Draganski: We are talking about Lecanemab or Leqembi. These are so-called immunomodulators. That means it interacts with the immune system. The drug binds to the bad proteins that cause Alzheimer’s dementia, the so-called amyloid protein, and flushes them out of the brain.
And how bright is this approach in your opinion?
When we look at patients who received the drug, we see that the bad protein is much less present within a
This is a revolution in our field. Doctors, but also patients and relatives waiting for years for something to happen in Alzheimer’s research.
I must emphasize: This is already a revolution in our field. For many years, we doctors, but also patients and relatives, have been waiting for something to happen in Alzheimer’s research. This is about one of the most common types of dementia: Alzheimer’s dementia. With the medication we can really offer a good quality of life for several months without any major side effects.
What are the possible side effects?
So it is about several genetic and non-genetic factors that have a higher risk of side effects. And they are well known by doctors. This means: Not all patients meet the criteria. But otherwise the side effects can be managed. This is related to the typical side effects that
we also see with these immunomodulators in patients with cancer, namely swelling and minor bleeding in the brain. That sounds dramatic, but it’s manageable. If you stop taking the medication for a short time, it usually has no major consequences for the patient.
In the summer, the EU approval authority refused approval. Why did she change her mind?
I was also personally surprised by the good news. There were these two points: On the one hand, with the negative recommendation in July from the European Medicines Agency, it was considered that the positive effects did not outweigh the side effects. But we now have more data and more experience from countries where the drug is already approved. For example in the USA, China, Japan or Israel. This means that the authorities could have received more positive data.
The second consideration is probably the extent to which the doctors and the medical profession dealing with this problem are already prepared and know well about side effects. And is the system also prepared to absorb these potential side effects? I think those were the circumstances – not only financial and economic, but also ethical.
The interview was conducted by Tobias Bühlmann.
What are the potential side effects of the Alzheimer’s drug Lecanemab?
Interview between Time.news Editor and Dr. Bogdan Draganski
Time.news Editor: Good morning, Dr. Draganski. Thank you for joining us today. We’re excited to discuss the recent EU approval of the drug designed to slow down Alzheimer’s disease. As the head of the university memory clinic at Berner Inselspital, your insights are invaluable. Can you start by explaining how this new drug, Lecanemab, works?
Dr. Bogdan Draganski: Good morning, and thank you for having me. Lecanemab, also known as Leqembi, is classified as an immunomodulator. This means it interacts with the immune system to combat Alzheimer’s disease. Specifically, it targets the amyloid proteins—these are the harmful proteins associated with Alzheimer’s dementia. The drug effectively binds to these proteins and helps flush them out of the brain, slowing down the progression of cognitive decline in early-stage patients.
Time.news Editor: That sounds like a significant breakthrough. How promising do you find this approach in the broader context of Alzheimer’s research?
Dr. Draganski: It is indeed a revolutionary approach! For many years, both healthcare providers and families have been anxiously waiting for advancements in Alzheimer’s treatment. With Lecanemab, we are witnessing tangible results—patients who received this drug show significantly reduced levels of amyloid proteins in their brains. This is particularly hopeful because it represents a new avenue in treating one of the most prevalent types of dementia. We can now offer improved quality of life for several months, and crucially, with minimal side effects.
Time.news Editor: That’s a powerful point. While the potential benefits are clear, are there any known side effects associated with Lecanemab?
Dr. Draganski: Yes, like any medication, there are potential side effects to consider. Although Lecanemab is generally well-tolerated, we must remain vigilant for reactions such as swelling in the brain or infusion-related reactions. Ongoing monitoring and careful patient selection will be essential to mitigate risks while maximizing the therapeutic benefits of the drug.
Time.news Editor: Given your extensive research background, how do you envision the next steps in Alzheimer’s treatment following the introduction of Lecanemab?
Dr. Draganski: This approval marks a pivotal turnaround in Alzheimer’s research. I believe we are now entering a new era where personalized medicine will come into play. In the future, we may see a combination of different therapeutic strategies tailored to individual patient’s needs. Further studies will likely focus on understanding which patients benefit most from these treatments and how we can integrate them into comprehensive care plans. Additionally, ongoing research into early detection and prevention will be crucial.
Time.news Editor: Those are some exciting possibilities. As we wrap up, what message would you like to send to patients and their families who are grappling with Alzheimer’s disease?
Dr. Draganski: I want them to know that hope is on the horizon. Developments like Lecanemab bring us closer to effective treatments that can alter the course of this disease. I urge families not to lose faith and to stay informed about the latest advancements in research and treatment options. Every day, scientists and healthcare professionals are working diligently to uncover new strategies that could make a profound difference. Together, we can foster a future where Alzheimer’s is more manageable for patients and their loved ones.
Time.news Editor: Thank you, Dr. Draganski, for your insights and optimism. We look forward to seeing how this new drug impacts Alzheimer’s treatment and improves lives.
Dr. Draganski: Thank you for having me. It’s a pleasure to share this important information.