When the FDA approved aducanumab (Aduhelm) in Alzheimer dementia, the decision came with a heavy dose of controversy. Rehaz Aziz, MD, considers where this novel therapy fits in practice.

In the last five years, more psychotropics have gained approval through the FDA’s expedited pathways than the slow and cautious routes we’ve grown used to. These “fast-track” and “breakthrough therapy” approvals allow drugs to enter the market on the basis of more efficient (ie, smaller) clinical trials.