Revolutionary Alzheimer's Drug Slows Cognitive Decline and Restores Independence

Eli Lilly's phase 3 trial results for its Alzheimer's drug candidate, donanemab, suggest that it slows cognitive decline by about 35% compared to a placebo. The drug works by removing beta amyloid protein from the brain, which is associated with the progression of Alzheimer's. Donanemab may not need to be continuously taken, as patients who were taken off the drug and put on a placebo continued to show a slowdown in cognitive decline. Lilly has applied for full FDA approval, with a decision expected by the end of the year.