Australia has approved a groundbreaking treatment to help manage the symptoms of early Alzheimer’s disease. The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) has registered Eli Lilly’s drug, Kisunla (donanemab), for individuals in the early stages of Alzheimer’s who exhibit amyloid plaque in the brain. This plaque, composed of protein clusters, is linked to cognitive issues such as memory loss and difficulty thinking.
Kisunla marks the first new treatment for early Alzheimer’s in a quarter-century and is unique in its approach as it seeks to address the underlying causes of the disease. The medication is given through a monthly infusion over a period of up to 18 months, aiming to reduce the plaque accumulation in the brain.
Currently, about 600,000 Australians are living with Alzheimer’s, with roughly 450,000 being potential candidates for this treatment. This approval has been praised as a significant milestone by leading researchers, including Professor Michael Woodward from Austin Health, who expressed great anticipation for its introduction into clinical practice. He remarked that this treatment could extend the period of independence for patients facing the challenges of Alzheimer’s.
The advent of donanemab is particularly timely as the prevalence of Alzheimer’s continues to impact numerous families across Australia. However, the drug has not yet been included on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS), which means treatment costs could reach approximately $84,600 over the recommended treatment duration, at $4,700 per session. A proposal to include Kisunla on the PBS is set for review in July.
Globally, donanemab has received approval in several countries, including the United States, Japan, and the UK, alongside others in the Middle East, Asia, and Latin America. The anticipation surrounding Kisunla represents a hopeful direction in Alzheimer’s treatment, aiming to alleviate some of the burdens of this complex disease.