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Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder that affects millions of people worldwide. It is the most common cause of dementia, accounting for 60-80% of all cases. As the population ages, the number of people living with Alzheimer’s is expected to increase significantly in the coming years. In light of this, Biogen, a biotechnology company, has been at the forefront of developing treatments for Alzheimer’s disease. In this article, we will discuss all about Biogen’s work on Alzheimer’s disease.
What Is Biogen?
Biogen is a global biotechnology company that was founded in 1978 in Geneva, Switzerland. The company focuses on developing therapies for neurological, autoimmune, and blood disorders. Biogen’s mission is to transform the lives of patients by targeting the underlying causes of diseases. Their research and development efforts are centered around three main areas: neuroscience, immunology, and rare diseases.
Alzheimer’s Disease – A Sneak Peek
Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive brain disorder that impacts memory, thinking, and behavior. The disease is characterized by abnormal protein deposits in the brain, called amyloid plaques and tau tangles. These deposits disrupt communication between neurons and eventually lead to the death of brain cells. This results in memory loss, confusion, and difficulties with daily tasks. Currently, there is no cure for Alzheimer’s disease, and available treatments only provide temporary relief from symptoms.
Biogen’s Work on Alzheimer’s Disease
Biogen has been involved in Alzheimer’s research for over a decade. In collaboration with Eisai Co., Ltd., Biogen has been working on developing a treatment for Alzheimer’s disease by targeting the beta-amyloid protein. This protein is believed to play a significant role in the development of Alzheimer’s. In October 2019, Biogen announced that it would seek regulatory approval for their potential Alzheimer’s treatment, aducanumab, based on positive results from their clinical trials.
Aducanumab – The Potential Treatment for Alzheimer’s
Aducanumab is a monoclonal antibody that works by binding to beta-amyloid plaques and clearing them from the brain. In the phase 3 clinical trials, patients with early-stage Alzheimer’s disease who received aducanumab showed a significant reduction in amyloid plaques compared to those who received a placebo. Additionally, some patients also showed improvements in cognitive function and daily living activities.
The Road Ahead
In March 2019, Biogen and Eisai Co., Ltd. discontinued their phase 3 trials of aducanumab after an interim analysis showed it was unlikely to meet its primary goal. However, after further analysis, the companies announced that the drug may have a positive effect on certain patients and decided to pursue regulatory approval. Currently, aducanumab is under review by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and a decision is expected in June 2021.
What This Means for Alzheimer’s Patients
If approved by the FDA, aducanumab will be the first disease-modifying treatment for Alzheimer’s disease. This is significant because currently available treatments only provide temporary relief from symptoms and do not target the underlying cause of the disease. Aducanumab has the potential to slow down or even halt the progression of Alzheimer’s, giving hope to patients and their families.
Conclusion
Alzheimer’s disease is a devastating condition that affects millions of people worldwide. With no cure currently available, Biogen’s work on developing a potential treatment for Alzheimer’s disease is a beacon of hope for patients and their families. If approved, aducanumab could potentially change the course of this debilitating disease and improve the lives of millions of people. As we eagerly await the FDA’s decision, we can only hope for a positive outcome and continue to support Biogen’s efforts in finding a cure for Alzheimer’s disease.
