UNC Health Pardee Administers First Dose of New Alzheimer’s Drug in Western North Carolina & UNC Health System
UNC Health Pardee is the first healthcare organization in Western North Carolina and the UNC Health system to administer the first dose of Lecanemab, a newly approved FDA medication for treating Alzheimer’s disease. Lecanemab is the first drug to have shown benefit in slowing down the progression of Alzheimer’s.
Dr. Joel Callahan, chief of staff, UNC Health Pardee and medical director, Pardee Neurology Associates, administered the first dose of Lecanemab on Dec. 1, 2023, to an 81-year-old woman from Hendersonville. The patient, who had a confirmed Alzheimer’s disease diagnosis earlier this summer, said she was cautiously optimistic about the medication. “While we would rather have a proven remedy, we’re doing the best we can with a horrible situation,” her husband shared. The couple said they would have traveled to anywhere necessary to have access to this medication, so being able to receive it in their community was a very welcome benefit. They expressed they’re hopeful for positive outcomes and glad to be a part of something that is a step toward a cure.
“The approval of Lecanemab for the treatment of Alzheimer’s is an exciting and important first step,” said Dr. Callahan. “Despite some of the risks, drawbacks, and limitations of this new treatment, the progress made after decades of failed advancement remains a reason for optimism in the treatment and perhaps one day, cure, of this disease.”
The FDA fully approved Lecanemab in July 2023 for patients with early or mild memory issues related to Alzheimer’s disease. It is given through an IV infusion every two weeks. “The medication works by targeting amyloid proteins for removal, which is felt to be a driver in the progressive cascade of Alzheimer’s disease,” Dr. Callahan said. He explained that reducing these proteins helped to modestly slow memory and thinking decline caused by Alzheimer’s disease.
UNC Health Pardee is a not-for-profit community healthcare organization and is managed by UNC Health. The hospital, founded in 1953, is licensed for 222 acute care beds. Pardee has several locations separate from the main campus, including a comprehensive physician practice network, a cancer center, four urgent care locations and six orthopedic clinics. For more information or to find a physician, visit pardeehospital.org.
