MINNETONKA, Minn. – The Food and Drug Administration has granted traditional approval to an Alzheimer’s drug for the first time in more than two decades.
Susan Parriott CEO of Minnesota and North Dakota Alzheimer’s Association said they are excited about the new development and what it could mean for the Alzheimer’s community.
“People with Alzheimer’s disease do not have a lot of time, and they need more time to create more memories and to live full lives and these drugs could make that possible,” Parriott said.
Parriott said the disease affects everybody, but there are some populations that are impacted more.
“If you are African American you are twice as likely to have Alzheimer’s disease as a Caucasian person,” Parriott said. “If you are Latino you are one-and-a-half times more likely. So those populations are at greater risk and really need to have these drugs available.”
99,000 people aged 65 and older are living with Alzheimer’s in Minnesota.
The move to approve Leqembi marks the first time that a drug meant to slow the progression of the disease has been granted full regulatory approval.
Other approved drugs only target its symptoms.
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