FDA advisers endorse Eli Lilly's early-stage Alzheimer's drug donanemab

On Monday, a panel of independent advisers to the US Food and Drug Administration endorsed a drug called donanemab, designed to slow the progression of early symptomatic Alzheimer’s disease. The drug works by helping the body remove harmful amyloid plaque buildups in the brain that are associated with Alzheimer’s. It binds to the plaques and catches the attention of the immune system, facilitating their removal. The drug has shown promising results in late-stage clinical trials, with a lower risk of disease progression compared to a placebo. The FDA will consider the panel’s endorsement in its decision on the drug’s approval.