FDA Approves Alzheimer’s Drug
June 9, 2021
The US Food and Drug Administration has approved a controversial new drug for Alzheimer’s disease. In doing so, the agency overrode objections from researchers, including its own advisers, that the drug hasn’t proven effective in slowing the disease’s hallmark mental decline. Poor drug performance has been the pattern in Alzheimer’s treatment, Robert Cook-Deegan notes in Issues. He argues that the “brightest ray of hope” comes from gains “in the practical work of taking care of people who develop dementia.” Still, challenges remain in finding fair ways to make quality care more accessible and affordable for all in need.