Donanemab: A Promising Drug for Alzheimer's Treatment

A late-stage clinical trial of donanemab, an experimental Alzheimer's drug produced by Eli Lilly, has shown a 35% slowing of cognitive and functional decline in patients with early-stage Alzheimer's disease over 18 months compared to a placebo. The drug targets amyloid beta, a protein that causes brain cells to die and the brain to shrink. However, some patients experienced serious side effects, including temporary swelling in parts of the brain. Experts say the trial provides further evidence that attacking the build-up of proteins in the brain can slow the progression of the disease.