Overview
- An independent Cochrane review published Thursday pooled 17 trials with 20,342 people and assessed seven drugs, including lecanemab and donanemab.
- The analysis found that clearing amyloid from the brain did not translate into noticeable gains in thinking or daily function over roughly 18 months.
- Researchers reported higher rates of brain swelling and bleeding seen on scans, with most cases symptom‑free and long‑term effects unclear.
- Charities and several scientists criticised the review for mixing older failed drugs with newer agents, while the authors said all target the same protein and show similarly small effects.
- Lecanemab and donanemab remain licensed in the US, EU, and UK but are not offered on the NHS as NICE reconsiders their value after manufacturers’ appeals, leaving patients facing private costs and frequent infusions with monitoring.