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Health Canada has granted approval for a groundbreaking treatment that has the potential to significantly slow the progression of Alzheimer’s disease. The drug, Donanemab, marketed by the American pharmaceutical company Eli Lilly under the brand name Kisunla, received this critical endorsement on Monday. This marks the second medication approved in Canada aimed at decelerating the effects of Alzheimer’s, following the earlier approval of lecanemab, known commercially as Leqembi, in October 2025.
A New Approach to Alzheimer’s Treatment
Both Donanemab and lecanemab operate on the principle of targeting amyloid proteins—sticky substances that accumulate in the brain during the initial phases of Alzheimer’s. The presence of these amyloid plaques is often linked to cognitive decline, impacting memory and overall mental function. While neither drug offers a cure, clinical trials for Donanemab indicated it could notably slow cognitive decline in patients during the early stages of the disease, as reported by the Alzheimer Society of Canada.
Eli Lilly’s trials revealed that participants treated with Kisunla demonstrated a remarkable 35 per cent reduction in cognitive decline over 18 months, as measured by the integrated Alzheimer’s Disease Rating Scale (iADRS), which evaluates memory, cognitive ability, and daily functioning. For the broader patient population, the drug yielded a 22 per cent slowing of the disease’s progression.
Promising Outcomes and Patient Independence
Christina Scicluna, CEO of the Alzheimer Society of Canada, expressed optimism about the approval, calling it “a hopeful milestone for people living with early Alzheimer’s and their care partners.” She emphasised the importance of continued research and advocacy to ensure that innovative treatments are accessible alongside necessary support systems for patients and their families.
Dr. Sharon Cohen, a neurologist and medical director at the Toronto Memory Program, highlighted the significance of this drug in helping early-stage patients maintain their independence. “Changing the downward trajectory of Alzheimer’s disease is of utmost importance,” she remarked. “Individuals in the early stages often live independently and lead fulfilling lives; they frequently face anxiety about what lies ahead.”
Considerations and Future Steps
Health Canada has instituted specific restrictions on the use of Donanemab, limiting its administration to adults who do not possess the APOE4 gene. This genetic variant, prevalent in approximately 20 per cent of the global population, greatly heightens the risk of developing dementia.
Potential side effects of the treatment include amyloid-related imaging abnormalities (ARIA), which may manifest as temporary swelling in certain brain areas, according to Eli Lilly. Following this approval, Canada’s Drug Agency is set to evaluate whether Donanemab will be included in provincial and territorial drug plans. The Alzheimer Society of Canada has pledged to advocate for public coverage of this medication, although it may take up to two years for new drugs to become fully funded after receiving regulatory approval.
Why it Matters
The approval of Donanemab represents not just a medical advancement but a beacon of hope for those grappling with the early stages of Alzheimer’s disease. It underscores the importance of ongoing research and patient advocacy in the realm of healthcare. As society continues to confront the complexities of neurodegenerative diseases, the accessibility of innovative treatments like Kisunla could significantly enhance quality of life for patients and their families, providing them with the support they need to navigate the challenges ahead.