Pharmaceutical company seeks FDA approval for new Alzheimer’s treatment

(NBC, KYMA/KECY) - Pharmaceutical manufacturer Eli Lilly says its new Alzheimer's drug helps slow the progression of the disease.

According to the company, results from a clinical trial found the drug called "Donanemab" helped slow the decline in patients in the early stages of the illness, by as much as 60%.

But there were serious side effects in some cases, including brain swelling and brain bleeds.

Eli Lilly says it's now seeking approval for its new drug from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and expects the agency to make a decision before the end of the year.

According to the Alzheimer's Association, 6.7 million adults, age 65 and older, in the U.S. have the disease.