{"id":106822,"date":"2020-11-07T01:50:33","date_gmt":"2020-11-06T22:50:33","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/en.buradabiliyorum.com\/fda-panel-urges-rejection-of-experimental-alzheimers-drug\/"},"modified":"2020-11-07T01:50:33","modified_gmt":"2020-11-06T22:50:33","slug":"fda-panel-urges-rejection-of-experimental-alzheimers-drug","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/fda-panel-urges-rejection-of-experimental-alzheimers-drug\/","title":{"rendered":"#FDA panel urges rejection of experimental Alzheimer\u2019s drug"},"content":{"rendered":"<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_85 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-custom ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<label for=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-item-6a3bf2ce2b8d5\" class=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-label\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #dd3333;color:#dd3333\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #dd3333;color:#dd3333\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/label><input type=\"checkbox\"  id=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-item-6a3bf2ce2b8d5\" checked aria-label=\"Toggle\" \/><nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/fda-panel-urges-rejection-of-experimental-alzheimers-drug\/#About_the_Drug\" >About the Drug<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/fda-panel-urges-rejection-of-experimental-alzheimers-drug\/#The_Evidence\" >The Evidence<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/fda-panel-urges-rejection-of-experimental-alzheimers-drug\/#What_It_Would_Mean_for_Patients\" >What It Would Mean for Patients<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<p>&#8220;<strong>#FDA panel urges rejection of experimental Alzheimer\u2019s drug<\/strong>&#8221;<\/p>\n<div>\n                        WASHINGTON \u2014 Government health advisers sharply criticized a closely watched Alzheimer\u2019s drug on Friday, concluding there wasn\u2019t enough evidence that the experimental drug slowed the brain-destroying disease.<\/p>\n<p>The panel of outside experts for the Food and Drug Administration agreed that a pivotal study in patients failed to show \u201cstrong evidence\u201d that the drug worked. The experts warned of multiple \u201cred flags\u201d with the data, which did not initially show any benefit until another analysis with later results.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cAlzheimer\u2019s treatment is a huge, urgent, unmet need,\u201d said panelist Dr. Joel Perlmutter, of Washington University School of Medicine. \u201cBut if we <a href=\"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/category\/download-scripts-themes-apps\/\" data-internallinksmanager029f6b8e52c=\"9\" title=\"Download Scripts &amp; Themes &amp; Apps\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">app<\/a>rove something with data that is not strong we have the risk of delaying good, effective treatments.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>He was one of eight panelists who voted against the drug\u2019s evidence; one voted that the drug showed \u201cstrong evidence\u201d and two members said they were undecided. The panel also rejected the merits of a second study of the drug.<\/p>\n<p>The FDA is not required to follow the group\u2019s guidance but their negative opinion could weigh heavily on the agency\u2019s decision on whether to greenlight the drug. The FDA is expected to make a decision by March.<\/p>\n<p>The Biogen drug, known as aducanumab, does not cure or reverse Alzheimer\u2019s; the claim is that it modestly slows the rate of decline. Current drugs only temporarily ease symptoms and no new options have emerged since 2003.<\/p>\n<p>Much of panel\u2019s commentary was a rejection of the FDA\u2019s viewpoint. Earlier in the day, the FDA\u2019s chief staff reviewer gave a glowing review of the drug, calling study data submitted by Biogen \u201cexceptionally persuasive,\u201d \u201cstrongly positive\u201d and \u201crobust.\u201d But an FDA statistician noted flaws and inconsistencies in the results and potential safety issues.<\/p>\n<p>\u2033\u201cIt feels like the audio and video on TV are out of sync,\u201d said panel member Dr. Caleb Alexander of Johns Hopkins University.<\/p>\n<p>Friday\u2019s meeting follows months of intense skepticism surrounding the drug, co-developed with Japan\u2019s Eisai Co.<\/p>\n<p>The drugmakers halted two studies of their drug last year after disappointing results. But several months later the companies reversed course, announcing that a new analysis showed the drug was effective at a higher dose and that the FDA advised that it might warrant approval.<\/p>\n<p>More than 5 million people in the United States and many more worldwide have Alzheimer\u2019s. Current drugs only temporarily ease symptoms and the last one was approved nearly two decades ago.<\/p>\n<p>The drug is expected to be very expensive and \u201ccould bankrupt our health care system\u201d while giving patients false hope, the consumer group Public Citizen warned in comments ahead of the meeting.<\/p>\n<p>The FDA evaluation focuses on safety and effectiveness. But advocates for approval, including the Alzheimer\u2019s Association, are pushing to make need part of the decision.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"About_the_Drug\"><\/span>About the Drug<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Aducanumab (pronounced \u201cadd-yoo-CAN-yoo-mab\u201d) aims to help clear harmful clumps of a protein called beta-amyloid from the brain. Other experimental drugs have done that but it made no difference in patients\u2019 ability to think, care for themselves or live independently.<\/p>\n<p>It\u2019s a biotech medicine made from living cells, and such drugs are very expensive. No price estimate has been announced for the drug, which is given through an IV once a month.<\/p>\n<p>If aducanumab is approved, it\u2019s expected to be covered by Medicare, the government plan for seniors. The FDA and Medicare are barred from considering cost when reviewing a new drug or treatment.<\/p>\n<p>Even qualifying for the drug could be expensive. It\u2019s only been tested in people with mild dementia from Alzheimer\u2019s or a less severe condition called mild cognitive impairment. To verify a diagnosis has required brain scans that cost $5,000 or more. Insurers including Medicare don\u2019t cover the scans because their benefits are unclear, but that could change if a scan becomes a gateway to treatment.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"The_Evidence\"><\/span>The Evidence<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Historically, the FDA often required two studies showing safety and effectiveness, but in recent years has relaxed that standard.<\/p>\n<p>Each of the two aducanumab studies enrolled about 1,650 people and were stopped roughly halfway through when it seemed the drug wasn\u2019t working. Biogen says that later results show one study was positive at the highest dose; the second study was clearly negative. The company says an analysis from both studies on people who got the highest dose for the longest time shows benefit.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_16581575\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img class=\"alignnone wp-image-16581575 size-nypost-large-desktop-uncropped lazyload\" alt=\"An elderly woman\" width=\"662\" height=\"441\" srcset=\"https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2020\/11\/alzheimers.jpg?quality=90&amp;strip=all&amp;w=300 300w, https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2020\/11\/alzheimers.jpg?quality=90&amp;strip=all&amp;w=640 640w, https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2020\/11\/alzheimers.jpg?quality=90&amp;strip=all&amp;w=1280 1280w, https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2020\/11\/alzheimers.jpg?quality=90&amp;strip=all&amp;w=662 662w, https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2020\/11\/alzheimers.jpg?quality=90&amp;strip=all&amp;w=1324 1324w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 662px\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\"><span class=\"credit\">Shutterstock<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>But there are many questions about the validity of such analyses. Another complication: the studies were changed after they were underway to let some people get a higher dose. And the placebo group in the positive study worsened more than the one in the negative study did, which could help explain why aducanumab appeared better by comparison in that one.<\/p>\n<p>The FDA review largely dismissed safety concerns, including swelling in the brain that occurred in as many as one-third of patients, often leading to discontinuation of the drug.<\/p>\n<p>The FDA should require a third study to test the drug in ideal conditions and get a clear answer, said the Mayo Clinic\u2019s Dr. David Knopman, in an interview ahead of the meeting. He\u2019s on the FDA advisory panel but didn\u2019t participate in Friday\u2019s meeting because he helped lead one study. He and other doctors published a journal report earlier this week arguing against approval.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_It_Would_Mean_for_Patients\"><\/span>What It Would Mean for Patients<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Nearly a dozen Alzheimer\u2019s patients, family members and doctors urged approval of the drug during a public comment period of the online meeting, saying the move would provide hope to patients and spur development of additional therapies.<\/p>\n<p>But any benefit from the drug \u201cis relatively small,\u201d said Dr. Eliezer Masliah, neuro<a href=\"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/category\/sciencee\/\" data-internallinksmanager029f6b8e52c=\"5\" title=\"Science\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">science<\/a> chief at the U.S. National Institute on Aging, commenting before the meeting.<\/p>\n<p>In the positive study, the drug modestly slowed the rate of mental decline \u2014 a difference of only 0.39 on an 18-point score of thinking skills. How much that means in terms of being able to live independently, recognize family members or remember things is unclear.<\/p>\n<p>Drugs that remove amyloid may have to be combined with medicines that do other things in the brain, and used early enough before damage occurs, to do much good, Masliah said.<\/p>\n<p>If the drug is approved, the American Academy of Neurology urged the FDA to not make it a broad authorization, which could expose many patients to a medicine that might harm rather than help, and could \u201coverwhelm the health care system.\u201d\n            <\/p><\/div>\n<blockquote>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">For forums sites go to <span style=\"color: #ff9900;\"><a style=\"color: #ff9900;\" href=\"https:\/\/forum.buradabiliyorum.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Forum.BuradaBiliyorum.Com<\/a><\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<blockquote>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><strong>If you want to read more <a href=\"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/category\/news\/\" data-internallinksmanager029f6b8e52c=\"2\" title=\"News\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">News<\/a> articles, you can visit our <span style=\"color: #ff9900;\"><a style=\"color: #ff9900;\" href=\"https:\/\/en.buradabiliyorum.com\/news\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">News category.<\/a><\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<p><span style=\"color: black;\"><a style=\"color: #ff9900;\" href=\"https:\/\/nypost.com\/2020\/11\/06\/fda-panel-urges-rejection-of-experimental-alzheimers-drug\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Source<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>&#8220;#FDA panel urges rejection of experimental Alzheimer\u2019s drug&#8221; WASHINGTON \u2014 Government health advisers sharply criticized a closely watched Alzheimer\u2019s drug on Friday, concluding there wasn\u2019t enough evidence that the experimental drug slowed the brain-destroying disease. The panel of outside experts for the Food and Drug Administration agreed that a pivotal study in patients failed to&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":106823,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"fifu_image_url":"https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2020\/11\/AP_20308691461873-1-1.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&w=1200","fifu_image_alt":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[70897],"tags":[78822,70284,6864,71011,74873],"class_list":["post-106822","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-news","tag-11-6-20","tag-alzheimers-disease","tag-drugs","tag-experimental-drugs","tag-fda"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/106822","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=106822"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/106822\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/106823"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=106822"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=106822"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=106822"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}