Unveiling a new weapon against Alzheimer's disease

An optimistic development in the field of Alzheimer's research emerged recently with the discovery of a second potential treatment for the disease within a span of six months.

The promising new medication, named Donanemab, operates by eliminating the amyloid protein that accumulates in the brains of Alzheimer's patients. The pharmaceutical company Eli Lilly is responsible for its development. Detailed results of its third-phase trial have not been disclosed yet, but preliminary information indicates that over 1,700 individuals participated, and the drug managed to reduce cognitive deterioration by 29%.

However, it's crucial to note some limitations. The medicine does not cater to patients with severe Alzheimer's or other forms of dementia. During the trial, a small fraction (1.6%) of the participants suffered from severe brain swelling, with two fatalities associated with this side effect.

Further investigation is essential, and it will be a while before Donanemab is accessible via prescription. Nevertheless, this represents a considerable stride forward in addressing a malady that has puzzled scientists for generations.

"Looking at the first wave of potential Alzheimer's treatments, something unthinkable just ten years back, we seem to be on the brink of a scientific breakthrough," expressed Dr Susan Kohlhaas, the head of research at Alzheimer's Research UK. "This development should uplift people, as it reconfirms that research can bring us incrementally closer to a solution."

In the realm of revolutionary pharmaceuticals...

A potentially life-saving vaccine has received the green light from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

Named Arexvy, this vaccine aims to safeguard individuals against the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) – a condition responsible for up to 10,000 fatalities annually in the U.S., predominantly among the elderly population.

GSK, a UK-based company, spearheaded the development of the vaccine and reported an efficacy rate of 82.6%. Before Arexvy can be made available to the public, it must receive approval from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.