is a question related to the recent decision by the FDA to grant approval to an experimental Alzheimer’s drug, Aducanumab, despite significant opposition from the scientific community [Ix4]. When confronted with an intractable, widespread disease, when–if ever–is it acceptable to prematurely grant approval for a questionably effective treatment?
Patient need [edit]
Alzheimer’s is a devastating disease with no known cure, and has had no new medications approved for its treatment since 2003. Consequently, there is a significant amount of despair and hopelessness associated with its diagnosis [Tx4].