Free Republic

The FDA has just approved a new treatment for early Alzheimer's that's being billed as the first potential "cure" that addresses the root cause rather than just treats symptoms. The drug, aducanumab, could provide hope to millions of patients and families impacted by the terrible disorder. However, there are numerous controversies surrounding the medicine and its approval. First and foremost, not one of the FDA's advisers recommended approving it.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on Monday approved what it described as a “first-of-its-kind” treatment for Alzheimer’s disease, which it says “targets the fundamental pathophysiology of the disease.” The approved drug, aducanumab, is what the Washington Post described as the “first drug cleared that is designed to alter the course of the disease by slowing the deterioration of brain function — not just to ease symptoms.”