Clínica Universidad de Navarra begins Alzheimer's treatment with donanemab

Clínica Universidad de Navarra (CUN) has become the first hospital in Spain to administer donanemab, a new monoclonal antibody treatment for early-stage Alzheimer's disease. The medical team has already treated approximately 25 to 30 patients using the medication.

Neurologist Mario Riverol reported that patients have tolerated the medication well, noting that adverse effects have been fewer than expected. Clinical trials indicate that donanemab can slow cognitive decline by between 27% and 35% during the first 18 months, with benefits increasing the longer the treatment is maintained. The drug works by targeting and facilitating the removal of beta-amyloid plaques from the brain.

The treatment protocol involves an intravenous infusion every four weeks for a duration of 12 to 18 months. Additionally, the clinic expects to begin administering lecanemab, another monoclonal antibody targeting beta-amyloid, in the coming weeks. Lecanemab will be administered via infusions every two weeks.