Home / Health / Alzheimer's Breakthrough: Kisunla Offers Years of Benefit
Alzheimer's Breakthrough: Kisunla Offers Years of Benefit
16 Jul
Summary
- Amyloid plaques undetectable after three years of donanemab.
- Drug slowed cognitive decline by 35% in eligible patients.
- Treatment benefits persisted even after infusions stopped.
New findings indicate that the Alzheimer's drug donanemab, known as Kisunla, may offer substantial and lasting benefits, potentially staving off the disease for several years. Research presented at the Alzheimer's Association International Conference (AAIC) in London revealed that toxic amyloid plaques were undetectable on brain scans for over 1,200 patients treated with donanemab, even three years after treatment began.
Donanemab, licensed in the UK in 2024, had previously demonstrated a 35% slowing of cognitive decline in eligible individuals. Fresh data now suggest these positive effects are sustained long-term, maintaining cognitive function and day-to-day independence. Encouragingly, the treatment benefits continued even after patients stopped their regular infusions, indicating a lasting impact on the brain.
Further analysis showed donanemab appears to suppress tau protein, a key driver of Alzheimer's-related brain damage. Blood marker levels for tau pathology fell significantly in treated patients. Scientists are exploring a single maintenance infusion one year after treatment cessation to preserve these cognitive benefits.
Researchers are also working to improve the tolerance of these drugs, addressing side effects like brain bleeds, and developing next-generation treatments like trontinemab, aimed at preventing dementia before symptoms manifest. These advancements offer a different perspective to recent debates on anti-amyloid treatments.
