At e-Alert, we’ve covered Big Pharma’s repeated failures in their billion-dollar quest to “solve” Alzheimer’s disease.
From questionable seizure drugs to new overpriced treatments with marginal benefits, their efforts have been less about patient care and more about filling their own coffers.
But this latest information about drugs like Leqembi and Kisunla adds a whole new layer of scandal.
A new investigation reveals that pharmaceutical giants like Eisai and Eli Lilly knew that certain participants in their clinical trials were genetically predisposed to severe brain injuries from these drugs—but they kept that information secret. That’s right.
Patients in these trials, many of whom were already vulnerable seniors, weren’t told they had a genetic profile that made them especially susceptible to brain bleeding, swelling, and other serious side effects.
Two people even died after taking Leqembi, while over 100 suffered brain bleeding or swelling. And yet, the company pressed forward, leaving families to grieve and pick up the pieces.
Big Pharma’s Race for Billions—At What Cost?
Alzheimer’s drugs like Leqembi and Kisunla are part of a class aimed at targeting amyloid plaques in the brain.
Big Pharma has spent decades—and billions—pushing the idea that these sticky plaques are the main culprit behind Alzheimer’s. But the reality is far more complex.
These drugs, while they do reduce amyloid, don’t stop the disease. In fact, they only slow cognitive decline by a few months, offering a slight delay that hardly justifies the risks involved.
What’s worse is the growing evidence that these drugs could be doing more harm than good. Patients in these trials experienced severe brain swelling, hemorrhaging, and, in some cases, even accelerated brain shrinkage.
Yet Big Pharma continues to push these drugs, promising “hope” to desperate patients while they pocket billions. How much longer can they sell these dangerous drugs, while leaving patients in the dark about the risks?
Patients Were Left in the Dark
Imagine signing up for a drug trial, hoping for a treatment that could help slow the progression of a devastating disease. Now imagine learning after the fact that your genetic makeup put you at high risk for severe brain injuries—but no one told you.
That’s exactly what happened to 274 people in the Leqembi trial. These patients carried two copies of a gene variant known as APOE4, which drastically increases the risk of both Alzheimer’s and brain injuries from amyloid-lowering drugs. Yet Eisai, the drugmaker behind Leqembi, chose not to tell them.
One patient suffered 51 microhemorrhages before she died—without ever knowing she was at risk.
Kisunla, another Alzheimer’s drug, followed a similar playbook, withholding genetic information from 289 high-risk participants. These patients also endured “severe” brain injuries, all while trusting they were receiving a potentially life-saving treatment.
This Isn’t Science—It’s Greed
Let’s be real. Big Pharma is in a race to find the “next big thing” for Alzheimer’s NOT because they care about patients, but because they care about profits.
Alzheimer’s affects nearly seven million Americans, and for these companies, that’s an opportunity—a multibillion-dollar one.
But these drugs, including Leqembi and Kisunla, have failed to offer real solutions. Instead, they’re riddled with side effects, often more dangerous than the disease they claim to slow.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Leqembi in early 2023, citing “modest benefits” over the risks. But Europe and Australia rejected the drug, calling its risks too great compared to its minimal reward.
Are we really going to let Big Pharma play Russian roulette with patients’ lives?
The Path Forward: Real Solutions for Alzheimer’s
While Big Pharma scrambles for its next cash cow, we need to remember that there are natural steps you can take to help manage cognitive health. Sleep, diet, exercise, and even stress management, while simple, can have a profound impact on your brain health.
The evidence on amyloid plaques might be shaky, but these natural steps and brain-supporting supplements have long-term data backing their effectiveness.
Here’s what we recommend:
- Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Found in fish oil, omega-3s are critical for brain health, improving cognitive function, and reducing inflammation. Studies show they may protect against cognitive decline and support memory.
- Phosphatidylserine: This is a fatty substance that covers and protects brain cells, playing a key role in keeping your memory sharp. Supplementing with phosphatidylserine has been linked to improved memory and cognitive function, particularly in seniors.
- Curcumin: Derived from turmeric, curcumin has powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects that can help protect brain cells. Research suggests curcumin may help reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s and improve cognitive function.
- Ginkgo Biloba: One of the oldest and most well-known brain supplements, ginkgo biloba supports brain health by improving blood flow and potentially enhancing memory and cognitive speed.
And if you’re curious about new treatments, be sure to subscribe and check out the Health Science Institute’s newsletter, where we discuss the latest on the potential brain benefits of GLP-1 antagonists like Semaglutide.
To not getting bled dry by Big Pharma,
Rachel Mace
Managing Editorial Director, e-Alert
with contributions from the research team
P.S. If you’re looking for powerful ways to protect your brain, click here to learn more about the Health Science Institute’s Brilliant Brain Protocol—a comprehensive guide packed with natural solutions to detect, prevent, and even reverse memory loss.
Sources:
Bogdanich, W., & Kessler, C. (2024, October 23). What Drugmakers Did Not Tell Volunteers in Alzheimer’s Trials. The New York Times. https://www.nytimes.com/2024/10/23/health/alzheimers-drug-brain-bleeding.html?unlocked_article_code=1.UU4.9ntC.1fGZgllnOXKH&smid=url-share
