In June 2021, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved the Alzheimer’s drug Aduhelm (aducanumab) in a highly controversial decision, going against the opinions of senior FDA officials, an advisory committee comprising outside experts, and Alzheimer’s specialists, as reported by The New York Times. Now, the death of a 75-year-old woman has been linked to the drug.
The woman, a resident of Canada, died in late September due to brain swelling, a known side effect of the monoclonal antibody. She had recently received infusions of Aduhelm as part of a clinical trial.
Biogen, the manufacturer behind Aduhelm, has stated that it is investigating the woman’s death, but it has failed to take responsibility for its role in causing the tragedy.
Instead, Biogen continues to claim that the drug can slow the progression of Alzheimer’s disease by targeting amyloid plaques, a protein formation in the brain’s grey matter. And while it has shown to clear away these amyloid plaques, its key clinical trials have yet to prove any real, verified effectiveness in slowing the disease.
Needless to say, Aduhelm is not a harmless placebo. The Times reported that about 41% of patients who participated in the drug’s clinical trials experienced brain bleeds or brain swelling. These conditions can and do lead to severe injuries, including death.
Other reported side effects include:
- Amyloid-related imaging abnormalities (ARIA)
- Blurred vision
- Confusion
- Dizziness
- Fatigue
- Headaches
- Nausea
- Trouble walking
- Visual impairment
There could be other side effects, as well. As experts have pointed out, the clinical trials did not consider how older patients with common health conditions—from heart problems to impaired liver and kidney function—would react to the drug. This should not have been overlooked. The desperation for a “cure” to Alzheimer’s is so widespread and severe that Biogen was able to price Aduhelm at $56,000 a year.
Seasoned Attorneys for Aduhelm Lawsuits
If you or a loved one has suffered brain bleeds, brain swelling, or another serious injury after taking Aduhelm, Schlesinger Law Offices, P.A. wants to advocate for you. We have recovered millions of dollars for those injured by negligent companies. Now, we are ready to take on Biogen on your behalf. We will leave no avenue unexplored, no stone unturned in pursuing your full and fair compensation.
Call a Fort Lauderdale attorney at (954) 467-8800 to book your free consultation today. We accept cases throughout Florida and the nation.
