Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive brain disorder that affects over 5 million people in the United States alone. It is the most common cause of dementia, a decline in cognitive and behavioral function that interferes with daily life. With the aging population increasing, it is estimated that by 2050, 14 million people in the U.S. will be living with Alzheimer’s.
Biogen, a biotechnology company based in Massachusetts, has been at the forefront of research and development in the fight against Alzheimer’s disease. In this article, we will discuss Biogen’s pioneering work in the treatment of Alzheimer’s and how it could potentially change the lives of millions of people.
History of Biogen and its involvement in Alzheimer’s research
Biogen was founded in 1978 by a group of scientists passionate about using biotechnology to develop treatments for diseases. In 2003, Biogen entered into a partnership with a Japanese pharmaceutical company, Eisai, to collaborate on research for Alzheimer’s disease. Together they formed the Alzheimer’s Disease Collaborative Study, which focused on developing treatments that targeted beta-amyloid, a protein that forms plaques in the brains of Alzheimer’s patients.
In 2012, Biogen and Eisai made a groundbreaking discovery when they developed an antibody called aducanumab that could bind and remove beta-amyloid plaques in the brain. This discovery was a significant step forward in the fight against Alzheimer’s disease, as previous attempts to target beta-amyloid had failed.
Clinical Trials and Results
To further test the effectiveness of aducanumab, Biogen launched two clinical trials known as ENGAGE and EMERGE in 2015. These trials involved over 3,000 patients with early-stage Alzheimer’s disease, making it one of the largest studies ever conducted for this condition.
In March 2019, Biogen announced that it was discontinuing the clinical trials due to disappointing results. However, after analyzing additional data, the company announced in October 2019 that the higher doses of aducanumab showed significant improvement in cognitive function and a reduction in beta-amyloid plaques.
FDA Approval and Controversy
In July 2021, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved aducanumab for the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease, making it the first new drug approved for this condition in almost 20 years. The FDA’s decision was based on the belief that the drug could delay cognitive decline in Alzheimer’s patients.
However, this decision has been met with controversy. Some experts argue that the clinical trial data did not show a significant improvement in cognitive function and that the FDA’s approval was based on limited and potentially biased data. There are also concerns about the high cost of the treatment, estimated to be around $56,000 per year.
What’s Next for Biogen and Alzheimer’s Treatment?
Despite the controversy, Biogen’s research has brought renewed hope for those living with Alzheimer’s disease. The company is currently working on expanding their studies to include patients with more advanced stages of the disease, as well as exploring other potential treatments for Alzheimer’s.
Additionally, Biogen is working on creating a blood test that could identify beta-amyloid in the brain before symptoms of Alzheimer’s appear. This could help with earlier diagnosis and potentially lead to more effective treatments.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Biogen’s groundbreaking research in Alzheimer’s disease has made significant strides towards finding a cure for this devastating condition. The FDA’s approval of aducanumab has opened up new possibilities for treatment, although more studies are needed to fully understand its effectiveness. With continued research and development, there is hope that one day we will have a better understanding of Alzheimer’s disease and effective treatments to improve the lives of those affected by it.
