Gothenburg - AD/PD Conference

Kieger’s top takeaways from the AD/PD Conference

Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) is one of the biggest challenges in our aging society. Despite huge efforts, the FDA only approved the first disease modifying agent ever at the beginning of this year.

The conference in Gothenburg was an excellent opportunity to take the pulse of the Alzheimer’s community. Here are our key learnings:

• There seems to be a consensus that the Leqembi approval is one of the biggest milestones for AD treatments ever (proof of the Alzheimer plaque removal thesis, catalyst for new activities).
• The biggest side effect of Leqembi is called ARIA (oedema and/or haemorrhage in the brain). ARIA is taken very seriously by the community, which is crucial for long-term success. The right approach to deal with ARIA will determine long-term success.
• AD R&D has broadened substantially over the last years. Only 30% of drugs in phase 2 and 3 are now related to the Amyloid thesis.
• A lot of focus is also on biomarkers, which are seen as key to develop effective therapies and to provide the right treatment to the right patients. Blood-based biomarkers are being developed and are soon ready to enter the market.