Quoted by CNN
On Tuesday, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the donanemab to slow the progression of early symptomatic Alzheimer’s disease. This is a monoclonal antibody developed by Eli Lily.
It helps the body by removing amyloid plaque buildup in the brain as it is a hallmark of Alzheimer’s disease.
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But it is important to note that donanemab is not a cure but clinical trials. It slowed the disease progression and reduced its risk as a week by about 35% over 18 months compared to a placebo.
Lily said that it will be sold for the cost $695 per vial before insurance, by the name of “Kisunla”
Moreover, donanemab is expected to be less expensive than Leqembi which is another Alzheimer’s treatment. It costs around $26,500 per year.
Eli Lilly is also embarking on work to improve early detection and diagnosis of Alzheimer’s since medication is most effective in early symptomatic stages.
“Each year, more and more people are at risk for this disease, and we are determined to make life better for them,” said Anne White, executive vice president and president of Lilly Neuroscience.
“This is real progress. Today’s approval allows people more options and greater opportunity to have more time,” Dr. Joanne Pike, the group’s president and CEO, said in a news release. “Having multiple treatment options is the kind of advancement we’ve all been waiting for — all of us who have been touched, even blindsided, by this difficult and devastating disease.”
