Alzheimer’s Treatment Receives FDA Approval


Alzheimer’s Treatment Receives FDA Approval

On July 2, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) granted traditional approval to donanemab (Eli Lilly), sold under the brand name Kisunla (kih-SUHN-lah), for the treatment of people living with early symptomatic Alzheimer’s disease, which includes mild cognitive impairment and the mild dementia stage of Alzheimer’s disease, with confirmed amyloid plaques. This is the third FDA approval granted for an Alzheimer’s treatment that changes the underlying course of the disease.


The Food And Drug Administration (FDA) granted traditional approval to Donanemab for patients confirmed to be living with early symptomatic Alzheimer’s disease. This is the third Alzheimer’s treatment that changes the underlying course of the disease to receive FDA approval. This treatment can give people in the early stages of Alzheimer’s more time to maintain their independence and do the things they love. The Alzheimer’s Association says the arrival of these ne treatments underscores the importance of early detection and diagnosis to ensure individuals receive the most benefit.


Diverse populations have been historically underrepresented in clinical trials. Because Alzheimer’s affects everyone, and because Black Americans and Hispanic Americans are at heightened risk compared to White Americans, it is an important step in the right direction that about 25% of the U.S. participants in the clinical trial were Hispanic and/or Black Americans.


Illinois is the first state in the country to legislatively enact this requirement for Alzheimer’s treatment coverage, further expanding access to these new drugs that slow the progression of the disease.


Nearly 7 million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s disease — a leading cause of death in the United States. Additionally, more than 11 million family members and friends provide care to people living with Alzheimer’s and other dementias. In Illinois alone, there are more than 266,500 people living with Alzheimer’s and more than 314,000 family members and friends caring for them.


Contact: Lionell Martin, Public Relations Manager, Alzheimer’s Association, lrmartin@alz.org, 773.593. 4211


About the Alzheimer’s Association®: The Alzheimer's Association is the leading voluntary health organization in Alzheimer’s care, support and research. Our mission is to eliminate Alzheimer’s disease through the advancement of research; to provide and enhance care and support for all affected; and to reduce the risk of dementia through the promotion of brain health. Our vision is a world without Alzheimer’s®. Visit alz.org or call 800.272-3900.

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