The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Eli Lilly's drug Dunenmab in July 2024, which has been shown in studies to delay the onset of Alzheimer's disease.
This is the second FDA approval for the treatment of patients showing early symptoms of the disease, primarily cognitive impairment.
This is actually great news, as from today onwards it will be possible to delay the common disease with the innovative medicine, and many families who care for elderly parents and the like will be able to fulfill the commandment of honoring their father and mother by treating, diagnosing, and delaying the development of the disease, which will give the parents more years of robust health.
According to the data, the new drug was able to slow cognitive and functional decline in patients with 35% after 18 months of treatment, compared to patients who took a placebo. In addition, it also reduced the risk of patients who took it progressing to the next clinical stage of the disease by 39%.
Amyloid is a protein that is naturally produced in the body. Its clumping creates amyloid deposits. Excessive accumulation of amyloid deposits in the brain can lead to memory and thinking problems associated with Alzheimer's disease. The newly approved drug, dunenmab, helps the body remove the excess buildup of amyloid plaques and slows the deterioration that can reduce people's ability to remember new information, important dates and meetings, plan and organize, prepare meals, use household appliances, manage finances and be independent.
Eli Lilly reported the success of its trial about a year ago, and then filed for FDA approval. Experts at the time said it "could be the beginning of the end for Alzheimer’s disease," which affects millions of people worldwide.
At the FDA advisory committee hearing, 11 leading experts in Alzheimer's disease reviewed the study findings and ultimately unanimously decided that the drug's benefits outweighed any potential risks and recommended that the FDA approve it. The FDA did not hesitate and approved the drug within days.
Rabbis and dayanim welcomed the progress in the field, encouraging early diagnosis and saying that it is undoubtedly an important mitzvah to ensure the best treatment to delay the disease for those caring for elderly parents. When the medicine actually delays the disease and gives hope for a healthy and proper lifestyle with divine help.
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