Lilly’s Alzheimer’s drug, donanemab, slows disease progression by 35%, study finds

Eli Lilly’s drug, donanemab, has been found to be effective in slowing the progression of Alzheimer’s disease by 35% in early-stage patients with beta amyloid deposits and intermediate tau levels. The study involving 1,182 patients also evaluated the drug on 552 patients with high levels of tau and found that donanemab slowed progression by 29% when both groups were combined, using the Clinical Dementia Rating Scale. Experts have said that Eli Lilly’s findings are comparable to Leqembi, which reduced cognitive decline by 27% in a study published last year. The results have been driving Eli Lilly’s shares up to a record high, with experts saying that the evidence is really starting to build up that these drugs do work in the treatment of Alzheimer’s. Despite the benefits, there is risk that needs to be considered, and Eli Lilly is planning to file for traditional US approval by the end of June after finalizing the price for donanemab.