Donanemab Uses, Dosage, Side Effects and more
Donanemab (LY3002813) is a humanized IgG1 monoclonal antibody targeted against an epitope at the N-terminal of a specific type of amyloid beta (Aβ) - pyroglutamate Aβ - which is found only in the brain amyloid plaques associated with Alzheimer's Disease (AD). It works by inducing microglial-mediated clearance of existing Aβ plaques with the intent of slowing the progressive decline in cognitive function associated with AD.
A phase II study conducted by Eli Lilly and published in March 2021 (TRAILBLAZER-ALZ), which looked at 257 patients with early symptomatic AD, found that patients receiving donanemab experienced a roughly 30% slower progression in AD as measured by a disease rating scale (iADRS), although results for secondary endpoints were mixed.
In March 2021, Eli Lilly announced an expanded trial, named TRAILBLAZER-ALZ 2, which will seek to confirm the results of the first trial with an expanded patient population in order to address some of the deficiencies of the original.
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Trade Name | Donanemab |
| Generic | Donanemab |
| Donanemab Other Names | Donanemab |
| Type | |
| Groups | Investigational |
| Therapeutic Class | |
| Manufacturer | |
| Available Country | |
| Last Updated: | January 7, 2025 at 1:49 am |
How Donanemab works
Donanemab is presumed to exert its therapeutic effects by clearing amyloid beta (Aβ) plaques in the brain, though a clear link between plaque reductions and clinical outcomes was not observed in initial trials. Donanemab is a monoclonal antibody targeted against a specific epitope on a form of post-translationally modified Aβ plaque seen only in the brains of patients with Alzheimer's Disease, namely the N-terminus of pyroglutamate Aβ - after binding, donanemab induces microglial-mediated clearance of these plaques.
