## Eli Lilly’s Donanemab Shows Promise: Modified Dosing Reduces ARIA-E Risk in Alzheimer’s Patients
Eli Lilly and Company (LLY) has released encouraging results from its TRAILBLAZER-ALZ 6 Phase 3b study, showcasing the effectiveness of a modified dosing regimen for its Alzheimer’s treatment, donanemab. The study investigated the impact of different dosing strategies on amyloid-related imaging abnormalities with edema/effusion (ARIA-E), a potential side effect associated with anti-amyloid beta (Aβ) immunotherapies used in Alzheimer’s treatment.
The findings revealed a significant reduction in ARIA-E at the 24-week primary endpoint in patients receiving a slightly adjusted titration of donanemab, compared to those receiving the standard dosing regimen. This modified dosing strategy resulted in a 41% lower relative risk of developing ARIA-E.
The study also highlighted the effectiveness of the modified dosing regimen in patients carrying the APOE4 gene, a known genetic risk factor for Alzheimer’s disease. This group exhibited a 67% lower relative risk of ARIA-E when compared to the standard dosing regimen. Despite the reduced ARIA-E risk, patients on the modified titration of donanemab saw a comparable reduction in amyloid plaque and P-tau217 levels compared to those on the standard regimen. This signifies that the modified dosing strategy effectively reduces ARIA-E without compromising the drug’s primary efficacy.
Donanemab, approved under the brand name Kisunla in the United States, Japan, Great Britain, and other countries, continues to demonstrate its potential as a treatment for Alzheimer’s disease. The results of the TRAILBLAZER-ALZ 6 study offer valuable insight into optimizing donanemab’s dosing regimen to enhance patient safety while maintaining its therapeutic benefits.
The positive findings are reflected in LLY stock, which saw a 1.06% increase at the last check on Tuesday, reaching $905.09. This positive market response reflects the potential impact of these findings on the future of donanemab and its role in combating Alzheimer’s disease.
