Home

FDA Approves Exelon As Treatment for Alzheimers

Wed, 04/26/2000 - 12:00am — Karen Stevenson
Description: 

Novartis Pharmaceuticals' Exelon, has received approval by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Exelon, whose approval was announced Friday, works in the brain the same way as the other two Alzheimer's drugs, Aricept and Cognex. They inhibit the breakdown of acetylcholine, a brain chemical vital for nerve cells to communicate with each other. The longer acetylcholine remains in the brain, the longer those cells can call up memories.

The drugs offer modest relief for mild to moderate Alzheimer's symptoms. While the products have not been compared directly, Exelon's effectiveness is believed to be "pretty much in the same league" as Aricept and Cognex, said FDA official Dr. Russell Katz.

Novartis Pharmaceuticals' Exelon, has received approval by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Exelon, whose approval was announced Friday, works in the brain the same way as the other two Alzheimer's drugs, Aricept and Cognex. They inhibit the breakdown of acetylcholine, a brain chemical vital for nerve cells to communicate with each other. The longer acetylcholine remains in the brain, the longer those cells can call up memories.

The drugs offer modest relief for mild to moderate Alzheimer's symptoms. While the products have not been compared directly, Exelon's effectiveness is believed to be "pretty much in the same league" as Aricept and Cognex, said FDA official Dr. Russell Katz.