NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — A new drug is showing promise to help patients diagnosed with Alzheimer's and their families.
The drug, which is made by Eli Lilly is called Donanemab. It delays symptoms of Alzheimer's from becoming more severe by four to seven months.
Patients receive a monthly dose of the drug administered by IV to slow cognitive decline.
Experts said this drug can help patients and their families get their lives back at least for a little longer. It also has financial benefits.
"Right now in the US, you have about 1.5 million people with the early stages of Alzheimer's disease. And if you can delay their progression to moderate by five months, that's gonna save the health care system in the US, about $78 billion in one year," said Former FDA Assistant Commissioner, Peter Pitts.
Another similar drug, called Leqembi, was approved by the FDA earlier this month.
Both drugs work by targeting plaques in the brain that are linked to the disease. However, the treatments only works for patients with mild symptoms,so early detection of Alzheimer's is key.
Donanemab could hit the market by the end of the year if approved by the FDA.
