UK Top 10 News

A breakthrough Alzheimer’s drug, ALZ-202, developed by Biogen and Eisai, showed a 30% reduction in cognitive decline in early-stage patients during a 2025 phase III trial, announced on September 18.
Tested on 1,800 participants, the drug targets amyloid-beta plaques, a hallmark of Alzheimer’s, using a monthly infusion.
Results, published in The Lancet, indicate improved memory and daily function compared to placebo, with side effects like mild headaches in 12% of cases.
Lead researcher Dr.
Susan Kohlhaas called it a step toward managing the disease, affecting 55 million globally.
The drug builds on 2023’s Leqembi but offers easier administration.
Regulatory submissions are underway for FDA and EMA approval by mid-2026.
Critics note the high cost—estimated at $40,000 annually—raising accessibility concerns, especially in lower-income regions.
Alzheimer’s UK urged broader NHS funding, citing 900,000 UK patients.
Posts on X reflect hope but frustration over costs and late-stage inefficacy.
The trial’s success fuels optimism for combination therapies, with research now exploring tau protein targets.
While not a cure, ALZ-202 could extend independence for millions, reshaping Alzheimer’s care if pricing and access barriers are addressed.