Cochrane review questions clinical benefit of anti-amyloid Alzheimer’s drugs and prompts expert criticism
The Facts
- A Cochrane review concluded that anti-amyloid Alzheimer’s drugs provide little or no clinically meaningful benefit for patients.
- The review evaluated 17 clinical trials involving more than 20,000 participants.
- The review covered seven monoclonal antibody drugs developed to target amyloid.
- The trials focused on people with mild cognitive impairment or mild dementia due to Alzheimer’s disease.
- The review found increased risks of brain swelling and brain bleeding in patients receiving the drugs.
- The review’s conclusions have been challenged by some Alzheimer’s experts and charities, who argue its methodology is flawed because it combines unsuccessful older trials with newer drugs such as lecanemab and donanemab.
Analytical frames for this storyTap to explore
Context
What kinds of drugs did the review examine?
It examined anti-amyloid monoclonal antibody drugs, including newer treatments such as lecanemab and donanemab, which are designed to remove amyloid protein deposits from the brain NYT,Guardian,Daily Mail.
What did the review say about patient benefit?
The review said any slowing of cognitive decline or changes in daily functioning over about 18 months were absent, inconsistent, or too small to be considered clinically meaningful for patients Guardian,Daily Mail,DIE WELT.
Why are some experts disputing the review?
Critics say the analysis grouped together older failed anti-amyloid drugs with newer drugs that had shown positive trial results, which they argue can blur differences between treatments and understate the evidence for specific medicines NYT,Independent,Bloomberg Business.
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Wire services (2)
Independent coverage (50)
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