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    Back to Press Play with Madeleine Brand

    Press Play with Madeleine Brand

    FDA green-lights Alzheimer’s drug Aduhelm, despite little evidence it works

    The FDA approved a new drug that’s been described as a milestone for treating Alzheimer’s disease. Aduhelm is the first treatment for the disease in almost two decades. However, there’s not much evidence that it works.

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    By Madeleine Brand • Jun 9, 2021 • 9m Listen

    The FDA approved a new drug that’s been described as a milestone for treating Alzheimer’s disease. Aduhelm is the first treatment for the disease in almost two decades. However, there’s not much evidence that it works. The drug also comes with serious side effects, such as brain swelling. Aduhelm’s drugmaker, Biogen, says it plans to charge about $56,000 a year per patient. Despite the drug’s approval, the FDA is requiring Biogen to conduct another clinical trial. So why put the drug on the market?

    The full episode

    3 of 5
    Kamala Harris, Guatemala, and what’s driving the migrant crisis
    1. 0:00As Guatemala grapples with corruption, US increases aid
    2. 9:05Some migrant kids from Central America must learn to represent themselves in immigration court
    3. 17:38FDA green-lights Alzheimer’s drug Aduhelm, despite little evidence it worksYou’re reading this
    4. 27:10Lin Manuel Miranda’s ‘In the Heights’ explores love, joy, and dreams in Washington Heights
    5. 43:05Outer space is the new hot vacation destination for the super rich
    • https://images.ctfassets.net/2658fe8gbo8o/AvYox6VuEgcxpd20Xo9d3/769bca4fbf97bf022190f4813812c1e2/new-default.jpg?h=250

      Madeleine Brand

      Host, 'Press Play'

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      Sarah Sweeney

      Vice President of Talk Programming, KCRW

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      Angie Perrin

      Producer, Press Play

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      Michell Eloy

      Former Producer/Line Editor, Press Play

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      Pam Belluck

      health and science writer for New York Times

      NewsHealth & WellnessScience

    The full episode

    3 of 5
    Kamala Harris, Guatemala, and what’s driving the migrant crisis
    1. 0:00As Guatemala grapples with corruption, US increases aid
    2. 9:05Some migrant kids from Central America must learn to represent themselves in immigration court
    3. 17:38FDA green-lights Alzheimer’s drug Aduhelm, despite little evidence it worksYou’re reading this
    4. 27:10Lin Manuel Miranda’s ‘In the Heights’ explores love, joy, and dreams in Washington Heights
    5. 43:05Outer space is the new hot vacation destination for the super rich
    Back to Press Play with Madeleine Brand