Biogen: Alzheimer's Disease Treatment Needs More Real-World Data
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Lane Simonian2.55K FollowersFollow5ShareSavePlay(7min)CommentsSummaryBiogen (BIIB) receives a hold rating as Leqembi sales may begin to sag, although it is possible new drug approvals may make up some of the difference.Eisai's claim that Leqembi delays the progression from mild cognitive impairment to moderate Alzheimer's by 8.3 years is likely inaccurate.The true benefit may be closer to 1.3 years in those with low amyloid levels.Leqembi's clinical value is significant only for APOE4 carriers, but with substantial risks, including brain swelling and brain bleeds. 3D_generator/iStock via Getty Images In a Clinical Trial for Alzheimer’s Disease (CTAD) conference which produced no major advances against the disease, Eisai (ESALF) grabbed some of the headlines by suggesting that Leqembi could slow down the progression fromThis article was written byLane Simonian2.55K FollowersFollowRetired history instructor. Alzheimer's disease researcher for the past two decades.My goal is to give investors solid advice based on the mechanisms of action of Alzheimer's drugs. This advice is informed by a background in biology (conservation, ecology, evolution, environmental science, and biochemistry) and twenty years of a very in depth review of the research on Alzheimer's disease. I have come to the conclusion that Alzheimer's disease is caused by oxidation and nitration. Many treatments for Alzheimer's disease address factors that can contribute to oxidation and nitration such as misfolded amyloid and tau proteins and neuroinflammation, but very few direct scavenge compounds (such as hydrogen peroxide and peroxynitrite) that cause oxidation and nitration nor do they reverse any of the damage already present. Thus, most treatments for Alzheimer's disease only slow down the early progression of the disease for awhile. Certain natural products such as panax ginseng and various essential oils via aromatherapy inhibit oxidation and nitration, scavenge agents that cause oxidative and nitrostative stress, and reverse part of their damage. Such treatments have the potential to stabilize Alzheimer's disease.Analyst’s Disclosure:I/we have no stock, option or similar derivative position in any of the companies mentioned, and no plans to initiate any such positions within the next 72 hours. I wrote this article myself, and it expresses my own opinions. I am not receiving compensation for it (other than from Seeking Alpha). I have no business relationship with any company whose stock is mentioned in this article. Seeking Alpha's Disclosure: Past performance is no guarantee of future results. No recommendation or advice is being given as to whether any investment is suitable for a particular investor. Any views or opinions expressed above may not reflect those of Seeking Alpha as a whole. Seeking Alpha is not a licensed securities dealer, broker or US investment adviser or investment bank. Our analysts are third party authors that include both professional investors and individual investors who may not be licensed or certified by any institute or regulatory body.Recommended For You