Summary

FDA approved Eli Lilly’s Kisunla for mild and early Alzheimer’s stages, offering a new option to slow cognitive decline by up to eight months through regular IV infusions, despite concerns over study methods. The drug targets amyloid plaque buildup, akin to last year’s approved treatment Leqembi, heralding hope among physicians for managing the incurable disease affecting over eight million Americans, with Medicare expected to cover costs for eligible patients.

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For those who read...

How’s it going Current2 listeners, my name's Jake, and you’re listening to C2 Deeper Dives. Happy fourth of July! Before you dive into this holiday weekend, we have some important news regarding the newest treatment option for Alzheimer’s.

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FDA officials have officially approved another Alzheimer’s drug that has the potential to slow the decline in memory and thinking abilities of those with Alzheimer’s. This provides another option for in the early stages of the devastating disease.

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Eli Lilly’s “Kisunla” was approved for mild and early stages of dementia resulting from Alzheimer’s, an incurable disease that impacts memory and executive functioning. This new drug is only the second drug shown to slow cognitive decline, following last year’s approval of a similar drug called Leqembi.

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Lilly’s drug has the potential to delay certain Alzheimer symptoms for up to eight months. Although the drug has been approved, potential drawbacks include regular IV infusions every four weeks and risks of brain swelling. The approval comes in spite of concerns about how Lilly studied the drug. 

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The approval was based on a late-stage clinical trial of over 1,700 participants that showed the drug slowed Alzheimer’s by about 35% over 18 months compared to a placebo. Decline was measured using the clinical dementia scale which ranks patients on memory, orientation, judgment and problem solving, community affairs, home and hobbies, and personal care.

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Both this drug and the similar drug approved last year work by targeting sticky amyloid plaque buildup in the brain through IV administered lab-mad antibiotics.

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After decades of failed drug trials, physicians who treat the disease are excited about the treatment. Based on how long the patients take the drug, the cost may vary. According to the FDA’s recommendations, doctor’s may stop treatment once patients have minimal brain plaque. Medicare is expected to provide coverage for the drug.

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More than eight million Americans have Alzheimer’s, with that number expecting to increase up to almost 14 million by 2060. Only those with early or mild disease will be eligible for the new treatment.

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That’s all for today, folks! If you liked this episode, make sure to share it with your friends, family, and maybe even your doctor. I don’t know what medical people are into. Anyways, thanks for listening to Current2 Deeper Dive, and we’ll see you next week!

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Sources:

FDA approves a second Alzheimer’s drug that can modestly slow disease (AP)

FDA approved Eli Lilly’s Alzheimer’s drug Kinsula (NBC)