Alzheimer’s disease profoundly impacts individuals and families, causing memory loss, cognitive decline, and emotional strain. It’s a challenging journey for caregivers who tirelessly support their loved ones through this difficult time.
At The Kensington Sierra Madre, we’re dedicated to keeping caregivers and their loved ones informed about the latest breakthroughs in Alzheimer’s treatment.
We’ve previously discussed Leqembi’s promising results. Now, we turn our attention to Donanemab, a newly approved drug that offers hope for people with early symptomatic Alzheimer’s disease.
This article aims to inform you about Donanemab’s mechanism, effectiveness, and comparison to other treatments.
By staying at the forefront of Alzheimer’s research and treatments, The Kensington Sierra Madre reinforces its commitment to providing leading-edge care in our memory care neighborhoods.
What kind of drug is Donanemab?
Donanemab, marketed under the trademark Kisunla™, is a monoclonal antibody specifically designed to target and clear beta-amyloid plaques in the brain.
These plaques are a defining characteristic of Alzheimer’s disease and are associated with the cognitive decline seen in patients suffering from this neurodegenerative condition.
Monoclonal antibodies are lab-engineered molecules that mimic the immune system’s ability to fight off harmful pathogens. They’re tailored to target specific antigens—in the case of Donanemab, the beta-amyloid plaques.
By targeting these plaques, Donanemab helps to reduce their accumulation in the brain, which is believed to slow the progression of Alzheimer’s disease.
How is Donanemab administered?
Donanemab is administered intravenously, typically once every four weeks.
Each session lasts about 30 minutes, during which the medication is delivered directly into the bloodstream.
This method ensures that the drug is absorbed quickly and efficiently, maximizing its potential to reach the brain’s target areas.
The treatment regimen may vary based on the patient’s response to the drug, including the reduction of amyloid plaques, monitored through imaging tests.
Is Donanemab better than Aducanumab?
Donanemab (Kisunla™) and Aducanumab are monoclonal antibodies targeting beta-amyloid in Alzheimer’s treatment.
Aducanumab addresses aggregated beta-amyloid forms, whereas Donanemab specifically targets N3pG beta-amyloid plaques, affecting their action and outcomes.
Studies suggest both drugs slow cognitive decline in early Alzheimer’s, with Donanemab potentially offering quicker plaque clearance and shorter treatment durations.
Both treatments, however, involve risks like ARIA (amyloid-related imaging abnormalities), necessitating careful management.
As of 2024, Aducanumab will be discontinued.
Donanmab vs. Leqembi
Comparatively, Donanemab and Leqembi aim to mitigate Alzheimer’s progression by reducing amyloid plaques.
Leqembi targets oligomers and fibrils, potentially addressing a broader range of plaque stages.
Clinical trials indicate that both drugs significantly slow disease progression.
Their choice depends on individual patient factors and safety profiles, particularly in managing ARIA. Ongoing research will further refine these treatments to optimize benefits and minimize risks.
Clinical trials and effectiveness of Donanemab
The TRAILBLAZER-ALZ 2 study showed that Donanemab (Kisunla™) is promising for treating early Alzheimer’s.
Key findings include:
- 35% slower cognitive decline compared to placebo
- 47% of patients had no clinical progression after one year, versus 29% on placebo
The study aimed to measure improvements in cognitive abilities and daily activities.
Donanemab met these goals, indicating it can help patients maintain their mental functions and independence.
Potential side effects and safety concerns
Like any medication, Donanemab has side effects, with the most notable being amyloid-related imaging abnormalities (ARIA).
Common side effects include:
- Temporary brain swelling (ARIA-E)
- Small brain hemorrhages (ARIA-H)
Most side effects were mild to moderate and manageable with regular monitoring. Serious reactions were rare but did occur in some cases.
Access and availability of Donanemab
Donanemab (Kisunla™) is FDA-approved for early Alzheimer’s treatment, making it accessible to eligible patients.
Here are the critical points on access and availability:
- Diagnosis: Requires confirmation of Alzheimer’s with elevated beta-amyloid plaques through diagnostic tests like PET scans or cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) tests.
- Insurance coverage:
- Medicare covers Donanemab if prescribed by physicians participating in a registry.
- Medicaid may cover the treatment, often handling co-insurance costs for eligible individuals.
- Private insurance coverage varies by provider and plan. Patients should check with their insurance for specifics.
- Treatment: Administered through IV infusions at specialized centers, typically once every four weeks for 30 minutes.
- Pricing: Donanemab costs approximately $32,000 per year. Financial assistance may be available through programs like the Donanemab Copay Assistance Program.
Key takeaways on Donanemab
Donanemab (Kisunla™) is a promising new treatment for early-stage Alzheimer’s, developed by Eli Lilly and Company. Here are the key points to know:
- Developed by Eli Lilly: A leader in pharmaceutical innovations.
- FDA approved in 2023: Specifically for early-stage Alzheimer’s disease.
- Mechanism: Targets and reduces beta-amyloid plaques in the brain.
- Cost: Approximately $32,000 per year, with financial assistance available.
- Clinical benefits: Slows cognitive decline and improves daily functioning.
- Replaces Aducanumab: Expected to take over as Aducanumab is being discontinued.
The Kensington Sierra Madre: leading Alzheimer’s and memory care
Donanemab is an innovative treatment for early-stage Alzheimer’s, targeting and reducing beta-amyloid plaques in the brain. Clinical research highlights its potential to slow cognitive decline and improve daily functioning.
The Kensington Sierra Madre is an assisted living and memory care community in Sierra Madre, California.
We help caregivers and their loved ones stay updated on Alzheimer’s research and treatments.
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