FDA approves Reminyl
to treat Alzheimer’s patients

The drug will be available
by prescription in May

Star-Bulletin staff

A new drug has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration for Alzheimer's disease patients that is expected to be available by prescription in May, the Aloha Chapter of the Alzheimer's Association reports.

Galantamine hydrobromide (Reminyl) was approved as a treatment to provide relief from symptoms for mid- to moderate Alzheimer's patients.

Dr. Patricia Lanoie Blanchette, Aloha Chapter president, notes that just a few years ago, few options were available for patients and families. "Today, we look to the future optimistically, as research progresses and more treatment options become available."

Blanchette said the investment in Alzheimer's research over the past decade "is now paying off in rapid discoveries and in the development of new drug treatments. But even with these advances, we are still not able to prevent Alzheimer's."

Each drug approved to fight Alzheimer's disease may have different side effects for individuals, she said. "Having more approved drugs offers doctors, people with the disease and their families a greater opportunity to find one that will have some benefit with the fewest unwanted effects."

Clinical trials on galantamine hydrobromide showed the drug can benefit a patient's daily function and ability to think, she said.

The only other drugs approved by the FDA to treat Alzheimer's disease are tacrine (Cognex), donepezil (Aricept) and rivastigmine (Exelon), but none will cure the disease.

Blanchette said the disease affects more than four million Americans, including more than 17,000 diagnosed in Hawaii.

The Aloha Chapter has a 24-hour helpline statewide for people wanting information or assistance. It is 591-0090 on Oahu, 893-2152 on Maui and 1-877-43ALOHA or 1-877-432-5642 toll-free from the neighbor islands.