UM Doctors Part Of Team That Discovered New Drug To Treat Alzheimer's Disease

By Ted Scouten, CBS Miami

June 8, 2021

The FDA has approved a new drug to treat Alzheimer’s disease, and part of the credit for this discovery goes to doctors at the University of Miami.

Biogen’s aducanumab is given by infusion every four weeks. Researchers say it targets the disease in a way that’s never been done before. The Alzheimer’s Association calls the FDA’s approval historic for patients and their families.

“It treats the underlying course of the disease. Amyloid is the sticky part that clogs up the brain. By removing that, it is assumed that the individual will have clinical benefit and improvements in cognitive decline,” said Dr. Joanne Pike, chief strategy officer for the Alzheimer’s Association.

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