Eli Lilly’s Alzheimer’s Drug Kisunla Receives FDA Approval
Introduction
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has recently approved Kisunla, a drug developed by Eli Lilly and Company, for the treatment of early or mild symptomatic Alzheimer’s disease in adults. Kisunla is an IV infusion given once a month, which is highly effective in slowing down memory and cognitive decline by targeting amyloid plaques that form in the brain.
Understanding Alzheimer’s Disease and Amyloid Plaques
Alzheimer’s is an irreversible and progressive brain disorder that affects over 6 million people in the United States. It is characterized by an abnormal buildup of amyloid plaques in the brain, which leads to memory loss, cognitive decline, and behavioral changes.
Amyloid plaques are formed when the protein amyloid clumps together in the brain. They can interfere with the communication between brain cells and cause inflammation, disrupting the normal functioning of the brain. Kisunla works by targeting these amyloid plaques and helping the body remove them, thus slowing down the progression of Alzheimer’s disease.
How Kisunla Works
Kisunla is a monoclonal antibody that binds specifically to the beta-amyloid protein. It is designed to target the aggregated forms of beta-amyloid, which are believed to be the toxic species responsible for neurodegeneration in Alzheimer’s disease.
Clinical trials have shown that Kisunla significantly reduces amyloid plaque buildup in the brain. Participants in the trial saw an average reduction of 61% in amyloid plaques at six months and 80% at 12 months. Furthermore, 18 months after the start of the trial, the buildup was 84% reduced.
Benefits and Risks of Kisunla
Eli Lilly claims that Kisunla is the only amyloid plaque-targeting therapy that has proven to support stopping therapy at a certain point. This is a significant advantage over other therapies that require lifelong treatment. Kisunla is expected to lower treatment costs and reduce the number of infusions a patient needs.
Medicare is expected to provide coverage for Kisunla, but the cost of treatment will vary depending on the patient and the length of their treatment period. Eli Lilly has a free support program that can help patients determine their coverage assistance and coordinate care, found at Kisunla.Lilly.com.
It is important to note that there are potentially life-threatening side effects with amyloid-targeting drugs, like brain swelling and bleeding, that patients and their families will have to weigh before deciding to undergo treatment. Patients should always consult their doctor and follow their advice regarding the risks and benefits of treatment.
Conclusion
The FDA’s approval of Eli Lilly’s Alzheimer’s drug Kisunla is a significant milestone in the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease. It offers hope to millions of people suffering from this debilitating condition. Kisunla’s ability to slow down memory and cognitive decline by targeting amyloid plaques is a promising step towards a cure for Alzheimer’s disease. However, patients and their families should always consider the risks and benefits of treatment before making any decisions.
Originally Post From https://www.kxlh.com/politics/health-care/fda-approves-alzheimers-drug-shown-to-slow-decline-in-memory-cognition-in-those-with-the-disease
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