LuMind CEO At Odds With Neurologists Over Alzheimer's Drugs Made By Biogen, Eli Lilly

Hampus Hillerstrom, CEO of the Down syndrome research organization LuMind IDSC, is advocating for access to Alzheimer's drugs made by Eisai Co Ltd ESALY/ Biogen Inc's BIIB and Eli Lilly And Co's LLY. The former biotech executive is also hoping to include people with Down syndrome in Alzheimer's trials.

According to Reuters, Hillerstrom is at odds with neurologists who recommend against immediate use, citing how Alzheimer's drugs are untested in this population and could pose extra safety risks.

Down syndrome affects over 6 million people globally and 400,000 people in the U.S. By their 40s and 50s, many exhibit signs of dementia due to an overproduction of beta-amyloid protein. 

Advocacy groups, including LuMind, argue that Alzheimer's treatments like Leqembi and donanemab could benefit this population. However, the risks, including brain swelling and bleeding, are amplified due to the prevalence of cerebral amyloid angiopathy (CAA) among individuals with Down syndrome.

In the wake of these concerns, advocacy groups are strongly lobbying Eisai and Lilly to conduct safety trials specifically for Down syndrome. They are also pushing for Medicare policy changes to ensure these individuals are not disqualified from treatment reimbursements. 

Clinical trials have demonstrated the effectiveness of Leqembi and donanemab, the latter awaiting U.S. approval, in decelerating cognitive decline in early-stage Alzheimer's patients by eliminating beta-amyloid. This finding has led patient advocates and neurologists to speculate a similar positive outcome for individuals with Down syndrome.

Disclaimer: This content was partially produced with the help of AI tools and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.