Lecanemab and Donanemab as Therapies for Alzheimer’s Disease: An Illustrated Perspective on the Data

Abstract

Treatment of Alzheimer’s disease by targeting the antiamyloid beta (Aβ) peptide with immunotherapy has led to Food and Drug Administration approval of several new Aβ monoclonal antibodies. These approvals have come with restrictions, but the uptake of these new therapies in the clinic is expected to increase rapidly, at least in the USA. Hailed as a “breakthrough” by some, there has been stiff coun-tercommentary questioning both safety and efficacy. The authors of this piece have been among those most concerned about the wisdom of releasing these drugs for clinical use. We note that the debate has been thus far largely confined to the clinical literature. With this Social Issues commentary, the authors hope to bring the basic science research community into the discussion.