Rebecca Edelmayer, PhD, Alzheimer’s Association, shares her thoughts on the potential clinical meaningfulness of amyloid beta (Aβ) clearance with the monoclonal antibody, donanemab. Recently published data from the Phase III TRAIBLAZER-ALZ 2 study of donanemab in over 1000 people with early symptomatic Alzheimer’s disease (AD) showed a reduction in cognitive decline of 35% over 18 months in the treatment arm, compared to placebo use. Other agents in this class, such as aducanumab, did not show a significant cognitive benefit in association with the reduction in amyloid levels, giving hope that donanemab has the potential to significantly alter the course of the disease. Dr Edelmayer emphasizes that this significant slowing in the early stages of disease gives individuals more time to function at or near to their full cognitive abilities, allowing them to actively engage in daily life, maintain their independence for longer, and plan for their future. Continued research and analysis will be vital in fully understanding the true potential of this therapeutic approach, and to consider the risks and benefits.
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