The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved aducanumab, the first drug that slows Alzheimer’s disease. Aducanumab is also the first novel therapy for Alzheimer’s disease approved since 2003.
 
Biogen and its Japanese partner Eisai developed aducanumab, administered through intravenous infusion to treat early Alzheimer’s disease. The drug was developed for patients with mild cognitive impairment, not severe dementia.
 
According to the Alzheimer’s Association, this is the beginning of a completely new future for Alzheimer’s treatments. Aducanumab addresses the disease in a way that has never been done before, compared to currently approved drugs.
 
“On behalf of those impacted by Alzheimer’s and all other dementia, the Alzheimer’s Association welcomes and celebrates today’s historic FDA approval of aducanumab for Alzheimer’s disease. This approval is a victory for people living with Alzheimer’s and their families,” said Harry Johns, Alzheimer’s Association president and CEO.