Timely access to disease-modifying therapies essential to slow symptom progression
Toronto, January 6, 2023 /CNW/ – Alzheimer’s Association Ontario welcomes the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s decision announced today, granting approval of Leqembi (lecanemab) under the accelerated approval pathway. The decision gives hope that effective pharmacological interventions will be available here for the hundreds of thousands of Ontarians at increased risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease. Ontario In years, not decades.
“Two years ago, there were no approved treatments to alter the course of Alzheimer’s disease. usa There are two,” he pointed out Cathy Barrick, CEO of the Alzheimer’s Association of Ontario. “Canadian regulators must act quickly to verify the safety and efficacy of lecanemab, and as soon as it is safe, provincial governments will ensure that all individuals benefiting from the approved treatment are We have a responsibility to fund people, we can’t afford to wait: the number of people with dementia in Ontario will triple by 2050 and already $10 billion As the state of this disease every year. Treatment is not immediate. “
research from University of Southern California A study published last year under the auspices of the Alzheimer’s Association found that Ontario The arrival of disease-modifying therapies for Alzheimer’s disease is not ready.When will it be introduced, if any? Ontario, the waiting time to confirm a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease soars to seven and a half years. Longer than expected life expectancy for many seeking a diagnosis, sadly.Early detection and diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease is needed for lecanemab to be effective, and the current availability for consultation with dementia specialists is critical. The waiting time for him is 12-18 months. Ontario This presents a significant barrier to the effective use of this therapy.
“Today’s news usa Hope for our loved ones, hope for ourselves, and hope that we are finally on the right track to combat this terrible disease,” Barrick continued. Ontario Not ready. Now that the FDA has announced its decision, it has a very short runway. Although not guaranteed, Canadian approval could be within two years for him. Ontario We need more dementia specialists, better access to diagnostic tools, and comprehensive plans for providing disease-modifying therapies to those who need them, should they be approved for use. Canada.”
There are currently over 277,000 people with dementia in Ontario, according to a study by the Alzheimer’s Association: Canada predicts that this will increase by 201% by 2050. By the same year, Ontario will have 444,400 unpaid care partners supporting people with dementia. One in three of her Ontarians over the age of 18 has a close family member with dementia.
“One way or another, this disease affects us all,” Barrick said. “I don’t have time.”
About the Alzheimer’s Association
The Alzheimer Society is a coalition of 26 frontline community support service providers, working in every community around the world. OntarioLast year, we supported over 95,000 clients, including both care partners and people with dementia. We provide education and training to physicians, other health care professionals, and the general public, working to reduce the stigma so often associated with dementia. , we offer System Navigation, Care Partner Respite, Adult Programs, Therapy Recreation, and more at little or no cost to families in most of our programs. With hundreds of staff and thousands of volunteers, we aim to reduce the personal and societal impact of Alzheimer’s disease and other types of dementia and to accelerate research into treatments.
Alzheimer’s Association Ontario Staff are available for media interviews in English and French.
Source: Alzheimer’s Association Ontario
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