‘Exciting’ future for Alzheimer’s patients secured with emerging treatment

While expensive, a new Alzheimer’s treatment marks the first new hope for early stage patients in 25 years.

Amyloid plaques responsible for Alzheimer's disease. Picture: Supplied

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The first ever drug treatment to target the underlying causes of Alzheimer’s disease has become the first alternative treatment available in 25 years after its approval for Australian use.

The injectable infusion donanemab, sold by global pharmaceutical giant Eli Lilly under the brand name Kisunla, has been approved for use by the Therapeutic Goods Administration.

Available to early stage Alzheimer’s patients, it targets amyloid plaques that form between neurons and cause the brain to decline by preventing brain cell signalling.

Following its initial TGA listing the treatment remains inequitably expensive, costing $4700 prescription with specific bounds for its prescription, Eli Lilly has signalled its intention to seek federal subsidy for the drug under the terms of the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme in July.

Donanemab prevents plaque build-up as it spreads, abating memory loss and cognitive impairment. It is administered through a monthly injection, with treatment lasting up to 18 months.

Alzheimer’s affects around 600,000 Australians, of whom three quarters are early stage patients. Another 1.6 million people act as carers for those with the condition.

2024 Evohealth research indicated the economic burden of Alzheimer’s would rise from $8.1 billion to $17 billion by 2050.

“The registration of donanemab is very exciting. As clinicians, we’ve been waiting a very long time to be able to offer patients a treatment of this nature,” Austin Health dementia research head Michael Woodward said.

“Donanemab is for people in the early stages of Alzheimer’s disease with a defined genetic profile, where symptoms like memory lapses and mood changes are present alongside the build-up of amyloid plaques in the brain.

“There is an important window of opportunity when it is possible to detect, diagnose and treat Alzheimer’s disease with the goal that patients can maintain their independence for longer. The availability of donanemab is a major development at a time when more and more Australians and their families are being impacted by this insidious disease.”