Alzheimer's education not approved in EU
- The European Medicines Agency has refused to approve a new drug for Alzheimer's disease in the EU.
- Vissanumab does not appear to be effective in treating adults with early-stage symptoms, the EMA says.
The Alzheimer's charity was disappointed by the decision as thousands of people were left without treatment. The first new drug in 20 years - received controversial approval in the United States in June.
At the time, many scientists said there was little evidence in the test that it was helpful, even though it did target amyloid, a protein that forms abnormal clots in the brains of people with Alzheimer's disease.
Biogen, the drug's manufacturer, may request that the EMA's decision be reviewed in the next two weeks. After that, it is not known whether the company will file a separate application for approval with the UK regulator, MHRA.