Study Findings Fuel Demand for Unapproved Alzheimer's Drug

Many caregivers in the United States are actively seeking out an unapproved drug to treat their loved ones even though it has yet to be approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

The drug, known as Memantine, is available in Europe where many doctors consider it safe for Alzheimer's patients. The FDA allows patients to have access to unapproved foreign drugs when no approved treatment exists in the United States as long as the drugs are used under the supervision of a licensed physician.

Under these conditions, memantine is readily available to caregivers and their patients through drug companies doing business over the Internet. Many of these companies report a surge in demand for this drug since a recent study in the New England Journal of Medicine found memantine to modestly alleviate Alzheimer's symptoms.

According to that study, researchers theorize that memantine blocks the brain chemical glutamate, which many scientists believe plays a role in the death of brain cells. The drug costs about $150 to $175 for a month's supply.

Caregivers seeking this drug believe it offers a small hope. Some have had to engage in intense persuasive efforts with their loved one's physicians to get them to sign off given their concerns over the safety and effectiveness of an unapproved drug.

Forest Labs, which makes memantine, has applied for FDA approval for the drug for use by Alzheimer's patients, but the company does not expect a response from the agency until fall.

Other sources: New York Times