2023-09-18 15:45:13
When Corine learned, at age 58 – four years ago – that she was affected by Alzheimer’s disease, “It’s a very difficult slap to accept”. “I felt like I was losing my memory and all I had was tragedy”she remembers. “We have the impression that our life is slipping away from us, that the best is behind usadds his companion. It came little by little. Corine mightn’t find the car, forgot that she had put a pot of water on to heat…”
The diagnosis is made at the hospital near their home, in a town in Seine-et-Marne, then Corine is referred to Pitié-Salpêtrière (AP-HP), one of the eight centers in France which tests lecanemab , a monoclonal antibody, compared to a placebo. His doctor, Nicolas Villain, neurologist at the Parisian hospital, suggested that he participate in the international clinical trial which evaluates this new drug developed by the Japanese Eisai and American Biogen laboratories, which targets amyloid plaques, clusters of proteins involved in this neurodegenerative disease. Corine does not hesitate to join the research protocol in September 2020. She must have an intravenous injection every two weeks and numerous examinations: neurocognitive tests, MRI, blood tests, etc. to monitor adverse effects. “We have nothing to lose”said his companion.
In 2020, photographer Axelle de Russé followed for “Le Monde” the lives of residents of the “Village Landais Henri Emmanuelli”, a structure which only accommodates people suffering from Alzheimer’s disease. In Dax, July 7, 2020. AXELLE DE RUSSÉ FOR “THE WORLD” Each house accommodates between 7 and 8 villagers. An alcove in front of each room allows residents to place a personal item allowing them to find it more easily. In Dax, July 7, 2020. AXELLE DE RUSSÉ FOR “THE WORLD”
At the end of the trial, which lasted eighteen months, they learned that Corine was receiving lecanemab, and were “rather relieved”. She continues treatment today, like the other participants.
Have they seen any improvements? “It’s complicated to realize, because we don’t know what it would be like without medication”notes his partner, a teacher. “The disease, which remained stable for a year, seems to have worsened in recent months”she adds. “I feel it too, I have the impression of having more hesitations, more difficulty finding my way”said Corine, who said to herself “anxious”more « [s’]adapts with the means at hand ». Retired for two years, she takes care of her garden, her animals, does crosswords, puzzles, reads, listens to music…
In the United States, theThe Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has authorized the marketing of lecanemab (under the name Leqembi) in July. The European Medicines Agency (EMA) is examining the file, and might make a decision by the end of the year.
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In fact, it is the second monoclonal antibody that targets the amyloid protein to hit the market. After almost twenty years without a new anti-Alzheimer molecule,The FDA authorized aducanumab in June 2021 (under the name Aduhelm), also developed by Eisai and Biogen. This announcement sparked widespread controversy, with experts divided on the interpretation of the results. Several of them, who had spoken out once morest its marketing, resigned amid suspicions of collusion. The EMA, six months later, in December 2021, issued a negative opinion. However, a phase 3 trial is continuing.
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