Today, we are at a crucial moment in addressing neurodegenerative diseases, thanks to scientific advances: new knowledge about disease prevention1, the use of biomarkers to detect it early and the emergence of new pharmacological treatments2.
In the matter of prevention, Significant progress has been made over the past 20 years, and we now know that more than 45% of dementia cases could be prevented. As for the biomarkers, some of which have been developed in research, are already gradually being incorporated into clinical practice to improve diagnosis. In the near future, biomarkers will allow the disease to be detected earlier, even before the first clinical symptoms. As for the pharmacological 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 they are not yet available in Europe.
The Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use (CHMP) of the European Medicines Agency (EMA) has recently issued a negative opinion on the marketing authorisation of lecanemab, a drug for the treatment of Alzheimer's, citing concerns about the risk-benefit ratio for patients.
This news has been bittersweet for both the scientific community and Alzheimer's associations around the world. Alzheimer's deeply affects families, and treatments that offer patients more time of autonomy improve both their quality of life and that of their loved ones. For this reason, Having treatments for Alzheimer's is an unmet medical need and a social emergency.
Despite the negative decision on lecanemab, it is not final and could be reviewed with new data. Several experts believe that the benefits of the drug could be greater than initially estimated, 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 drug would benefit a limited percentage of patients, approximately between 1% and 3%.
The most important thing is that we are experiencing a paradigm shift in the approach to Alzheimer's. Drugs such as lecanemab have demonstrated for the first time the ability to slow the progression of the disease, a significant advance that, although only the first step, marks the beginning of a long road 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 people 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 greater investment will we be able to find real and effective solutions to Alzheimer's.
Equal access
The Pasqual Maragall Foundation works to promote biomedical research into early detection using biomarkers, disease prevention and the development of new therapies by participating in clinical trials. It also supports patients and their families, and highlights the need to guarantee 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, safer treatments that are accessible to all. It is also 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 towards a future free of this disease, always putting the people who suffer from it and their families at the centre of our priorities.
[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
