'Some Hope Is Better Than Having No Hope'

The Daily

• Episode: 'Some Hope Is Better Than Having No Hope'
• Website: The Daily
• Feed URL: http://rss.art19.com/the-daily
• Duration: 00:36:59
• Published: 2021-07-07 11:45

When the F.D.A. approved the drug Aduhelm, the first Alzheimer’s treatment to receive the agency’s endorsement in almost two decades, it gave hope to many.

But the decision was contentious; some experts say there’s not enough evidence that the treatment can address cognitive symptoms.

What is the story behind this new drug?

Guest: Pam Belluck, a health and science writer for The New York Times.  

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Background reading: 

• Aduhelm, also known as aducanumab, was approved despite opposition from the F.D.A.’s independent advisory committee and some Alzheimer’s experts.
• Even those who supported the F.D.A.’s approval have said that authorizing it for anyone with the disease is much too broad.

For more information on today’s episode, visit nytimes.com/thedaily. Transcripts of each episode will be made available by the next workday.