Donanemab

An article about Donanemab, a monoclonal antibody for Alzheimer's disease treatment

Donanemab

Amyloid plaque formation in Alzheimer's disease

Donanemab is a monoclonal antibody developed for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease. It targets a modified form of the beta-amyloid protein, which is implicated in the formation of amyloid plaques in the brains of individuals with Alzheimer's disease. These plaques are a hallmark of the disease and are believed to play a critical role in its pathogenesis.

Mechanism of Action

Donanemab works by binding to a specific form of beta-amyloid known as N3pG, which is a pyroglutamate-modified form of the protein. This binding facilitates the removal of amyloid plaques from the brain, potentially slowing the progression of Alzheimer's disease. The reduction of amyloid plaques is thought to improve cognitive function and slow the decline in patients with early symptomatic Alzheimer's disease.

Clinical Development

Donanemab has undergone several phases of clinical trials to assess its safety and efficacy. In early trials, it demonstrated the ability to reduce amyloid plaque levels in the brain, as measured by positron emission tomography (PET) imaging. Subsequent trials have focused on evaluating its impact on cognitive and functional outcomes in patients with Alzheimer's disease.

Potential Benefits

The primary benefit of donanemab is its potential to slow the progression of Alzheimer's disease by targeting and reducing amyloid plaques. This could lead to improved quality of life for patients and a delay in the progression of symptoms such as memory loss, confusion, and difficulty with daily activities.

Side Effects

As with many monoclonal antibodies, donanemab can cause side effects. Common side effects include infusion-related reactions, which may manifest as fever, chills, or rash. More serious side effects can include amyloid-related imaging abnormalities (ARIA), which are changes in the brain detected by MRI that can sometimes lead to symptoms such as headache, confusion, or nausea.

Future Directions

Research on donanemab continues, with ongoing studies aimed at better understanding its long-term effects and potential benefits in different stages of Alzheimer's disease. Researchers are also exploring combination therapies that might enhance the efficacy of donanemab or address other pathological features of Alzheimer's disease.

Related pages

• Alzheimer's disease
• Monoclonal antibody
• Beta-amyloid
• Amyloid plaque
• Positron emission tomography