Alzheimer
Society of Canada Statement on the Conditional Approval
of Ebixa®
Dec.
13, 2004
The Alzheimer Society of Canada is greatly encouraged
by the news of the conditional approval of the drug Ebixa® (memantine),
the first in a new class of medication approved in Canada
for the symptomatic treatment of moderate to severe Alzheimer's disease.
In clinical trials conducted with people diagnosed as
having moderate to severe Alzheimer's disease, those taking
Ebixa had less symptomatic deterioration in cognition
and in their abilities to perform activities of daily
living (e.g. dressing and bathing independently). In addition,
the study recorded that fewer caregiving hours were required
by caregivers -- up to 46 fewer hours per month.
The
launch of the drug is an important step in offering
treatment options to Canadians coping with Alzheimer's disease. This treatment and others will hopefully enhance
the quality of life of those with the disease and their
caregivers. The drug, however, like Aricept™, Exelon™,
and Reminyl™ (cholinesterase inhibitors), is not
a cure as it does not affect the underlying degenerative
process of the disease. In contrast to the cholinesterase
inhibitors, memantine-like drugs can be effective beyond
the early stages of the disease, and this is encouraging
researchers to test the effectiveness of using cholinesterase
inhibitors and memantine in combination.
We hope that the approval of this drug will provide
a sense of hope to families and caregivers of people with
the disease and will provide encouragement for more research
into the cause and cure of Alzheimer's disease. With the
growing numbers of people affected by the disease and
the significant personal and societal costs attached to
it, it is essential to continue this pursuit.
The Alzheimer Society will continue to encourage and
fund research and offer education and support to people
living with the disease and to those who care for them.
Ebixa
is distributed by Lundbeck Canada Inc.
|
