FDA's Billy Dunn Resigns from Post Amidst Drug Scandal on Alzheimer's—What Happened?

The Food and Drug Administration is in deep waters regarding the Alzheimer's drug scandal which it was facing for so long, after controversial approvals in the past, which now led to Billy Dunn's resignation effective immediately. Allegedly, Dunn had inappropriate close relations to an Alzheimer's drug maker with its concoction called "Aduhelm."

It now raises concern among analysts as this resignation was sudden and immediate, especially for someone who was with the agency for almost 18 years.

FDA's Billy Dunn Leaves Post Amidst Alzheimer's Drug Scandal

According to multiple reports, the head of neuroscience at the United States' leading health agency, Billy Dunn, recently left his post with immediacy. This is because of the controversial approval of the drug "Aduhelm" where recent investigations claim that there were inappropriate collaborations between the agency and the biopharmaceutical company Biogen, the creators of said drug.

The 2021 approval of the drug led to different regulators investigating the case, despite the significant internal committee unanimous vote (11 out of 12) against Aduhelm's approval.

Still, it continued to approve the drug under Dunn, despite the reports of Aduhelm's low efficacy rate, as well as the serious brain swelling side effects it brings.

What is Happening Over at the FDA?

A December 2022 Congressional investigation also looked into this deal and concluded that the FDA "inappropriately collaborated" with Biogen. It was also noted that two years before its approval, Dunn worked closely with a scientist from Biogen off the books.

The report also claimed that Biogen's charge for the drug was "unjustifiably high," especially for a drug that is not up to standards, considering its side effects.

Alzheimer's Treatment and Drugs

Alzheimer's Disease is a known degenerative neurological condition that is a known problem amongst many old individuals, with several cases also appearing for the younger age group. Many pharmaceutical companies and researchers aim to create a drug to help slow down its effects or treat it altogether.

Earlier this year, the FDA, under Billy Dunn's department, recently approved a drug called "Leqembi" which is intended for Alzheimer's patients to use. It was part of the Accelerated Approval pathway as per the agency, and it centers on streamlining the processes for drugs like these, meant to use by patients with the neuro disorder.

Treating Alzheimer's is one of the significant focuses of many researchers and companies using different treatments, technology, and drugs, as it could manifest to almost anyone.

However, there are certain processes to approve drugs in the FDA, and they should not be hastily done so because of alleged close relationships.

Now, Billy Dunn already steps down from his post as the head of neuroscience, raising eyebrows over his departure.