The US Food and Drug Administration has officially approved Eli Lilly's Alzheimer's medicine, Donanemab, for marketing under the name Kisunla. This clearance is significant as Donanemab is the only drug that has been able to demonstrate that the treatment can be stopped once the amyloid beta protein plaques in the brain are cleared out. However, the drug has faced criticism due to its modest cognitive benefits and potential risks, as well as concerns over irregularities in the approval process. Despite these controversies, the demand for Alzheimer's drugs like Donanemab is expected to be high, especially in developing countries with large aging populations.
Unlocking the Power of DNA in Treating Alzheimer's: The Story of Donanemab
Alzheimer's disease, a devastating neurodegenerative disorder, has long eluded effective treatments. However, recent advancements in genetic research have sparked renewed hope with the emergence of a promising drug: Donanemab.
Background
Alzheimer's disease is characterized by a buildup of amyloid beta protein plaques in the brain, leading to progressive memory loss and cognitive decline. Despite decades of research, no treatments have been shown to halt or reverse the underlying disease process.
Enter Donanemab
Donanemab is an investigational antibody therapy that targets and removes amyloid beta plaques in the brain. In clinical trials, Donanemab has demonstrated remarkable efficacy. Patients treated with the drug showed a significant reduction in plaque levels, stabilization of cognitive function, and even improvements in certain cognitive measures.
FDA Approval and Controversies
In January 2023, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) granted accelerated approval to Donanemab under the brand name Kisunla. This decision has been met with both praise and criticism.
Critics argue that the drug's cognitive benefits in clinical trials were modest and question whether they are clinically meaningful. They also point to the drug's potential risks, including bleeding in the brain and an allergic reaction called ARIA.
Additionally, concerns have been raised about irregularities in the FDA approval process. Critics allege that the agency did not fully review the drug's clinical data and that the accelerated approval pathway was used inappropriately.
Despite the controversies, demand for Donanemab is expected to be high, particularly in developing countries with large aging populations.
Top 5 FAQs
1. How does Donanemab work? Donanemab is an antibody that binds to amyloid beta plaques in the brain. This binding triggers the immune system to eliminate the plaques.
2. What is the expected impact of Donanemab on Alzheimer's treatment? If successful in phase 3 trials, Donanemab could become the first drug to halt or reverse the underlying disease process of Alzheimer's. However, it is important to note that the drug's long-term effects and safety profile are still being studied.
3. What are the potential risks and side effects of Donanemab? Potential risks and side effects include bleeding in the brain (ARIA-E), allergic reactions (ARIA), fluid buildup in the brain (ARIA-H), and general injection site reactions.
4. When will Donanemab be available to the public? Donanemab is currently approved in the United States but is not yet available to the public. The drug is still in the early stages of commercialization, and it may take some time for it to become widely available.
5. What are the future prospects for Alzheimer's treatment? While Donanemab represents a significant step forward, Alzheimer's treatment is still a major unmet medical need. Researchers are actively pursuing other therapeutic strategies, including genetic therapies, immunotherapy, and lifestyle interventions.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi released the 18th installment of PM Kisan Yojana during his visit to Maharashtra, with more than 9.4 crore farmers benefiting from over Rs 20,000 crore. This brings the total amount disbursed through the PM Kisan scheme to nearly Rs 32,000 crore for 1.20 crore farmers in Maharashtra alone. Additionally, the Prime Minister also announced the release of nearly Rs 2,000 crore for Maharashtra's farmers under the Namo Shetkari Mahasanman Nidhi Yojana. Farmers facing issues with the scheme can contact the PM Kisan helpline numbers for assistance, while staying updated on the latest business and stock market news on Zee Business's social media platforms and website.
Nissan Motor India introduces updated version of its compact SUV, the Magnite, in the Indian market with visual and interior enhancements. The prices, starting at Rs. 5.99 lakh, are valid for the first 10,000 customers and deliveries have already begun. The new Magnite features a more prominent front grille, revised bumper, new LED DRLs, new variant names, and refreshed interior design with ambient lighting and two-tone leatherette seats.
The highly anticipated Nissan Magnite facelift is set to launch in India with improved powertrain options and features. The entry-level XE and XL trim levels will not be affected by the changes, allowing for a lower starting price point. Early buyers of the facelifted model may receive delivery just one day after its launch. Additionally, the Magnite Geza Edition, with its turbo-CVT variant, offers a breath of fresh air to the lineup. With an introductory price of Rs 6.5 lakh, the Magnite AMT is India's most affordable automatic SUV, making it a popular choice among budget-conscious buyers.
A couple in Kanpur is accused of scamming people of over Rs 35 crore by promising to use an "Israel-made time machine" to make their skin look younger. The couple ran a therapy center called 'Revival World' and convinced people that the polluted air in the city was causing them to age faster. They charged Rs 90,000 for the "oxygen therapy" which they claimed could make a 60-year-old look like a 25-year-old. The shocking scam came to light after three individuals who were duped by the couple filed complaints with the Kanpur Police.
Despite attempting to absolve themselves of legal responsibility for child safety infractions by merging Twitter into X, Elon Musk's company is still facing a $400,000 fine for failure to comply with an investigation into the proliferation of child sexual abuse material on its platform. The presiding judge rejected X's argument that they had no obligation to respond to the notice, stating that under Nevada law, the merger turned Twitter into a "constituent entity" and transferred all of its liabilities to X. The judge also called out the company's expert witness for providing "superficial" and flawed testimony in an attempt to defend X's actions.
The International Olympic Committee has suffered a major blow as three of its Japanese sponsors – Toyota, Panasonic, and Bridgestone – have decided to not renew their contracts. This is believed to be a result of the controversies surrounding the postponed 2020 Tokyo Games, including fan bans, high costs, and corruption scandals. The IOC will now be looking to secure new sponsorship income from the Middle East and India, as it faces the loss of over $2 billion from these three companies alone.
Indian Bank has recently released the admit card for the online exam for the post of Local Bank Officer (LBO) on their official website indianbank.in. Candidates can now download their admit cards by following a few steps and entering their registration number and date of birth. This update is crucial for aspiring candidates looking for latest government jobs and exam preparation materials, which are available on the Jagran Josh Sarkari Naukri App.
Canara Bank, one of India's leading public sector banks, is seeking qualified candidates for the positions of Company Secretary (CS) in Middle Management Grade and Scale III. The bank has announced a total of six vacancies for this role, three in Middle Management Grade MMGS II and three in Scale III. Eligible candidates can apply online through the official website before October 20, 2024.
With over a decade of experience in renewable energy and sustainability, Litha Communications has announced its renewed focus on providing specialised public relations and media services for these sectors. The well-established media and events company aims to drive the just energy transition forward through strategic communications, comprehensive event management, specialized content creation, and stakeholder engagement. As the world moves towards a sustainable future, Litha Communications is poised to play a vital role in shaping the narrative and driving engagement in the energy and sustainability sectors.
Zee Business Managing Editor Anil Singhvi predicts that the Nifty50 index will receive support at 25,000-25,150 levels and may see a strong buy zone at 24,750-24,925 levels on Friday. Similarly, for Nifty Bank, he expects support at 51,125-51,275 levels and a strong buy zone at 50,375-50,575 levels. However, global sentiment remains negative, while FII and Nifty put-call ratio show a decline in long positions and a neutral trend, respectively. On the other hand, DII and Nifty Bank PCR suggest a positive sentiment.