Sufferers of early-onset Alzheimer’s could be one step closer to being offered a drug to slow down the progress of the disease. Lilly pharmaceutical
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Sufferers of early-onset Alzheimer’s could be one step closer to being offered a drug to slow down the progress of the disease.
Lilly pharmaceutical company has released data suggesting its Solanezumab drug can cut the rate of progression by around 34 percent in the early stages.
The findings were presented by the University of Southern California’s Paul Aisen at the Alzheimer’s Association International Conference.
“It suggests that starting therapy early is important. That you will be modifying the underlying disease in a way that accrues benefit with time, so that the earlier you start, the greater the benefit and if you start therapy later, you don’t catch up.”
Worldwide, almost 44 million people have Alzheimer’s or a related form of dementia.
Current medication helps the dying brain cells to function, but it is hoped the new drug will go one step further and help keep them alive.
However experts are warning people to manage their expectations. Results due next year from a new trial are expected to provide definitive evidence.