As of Oct 21, 2024 | ![]() Kisunla (Donanemab) | ![]() Leqembi (Lecanemab) |
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Drug Class |
Kisunla binds to plaque AFTER fibers clumped together as large plaques. |
Lecanemab targets amyloid-beta (Aβ) plaque EARLIER on, as it forms fibers. |
Approval | July 2, 2024 | July 2023 |
Infusions | 1 / month | 2 / month |
If scans show substantial clearing of brain | Often OK to stop treatment after 6 – 18 months | Continue treatment anyway |
Cost | $32,000 / year | $26,000 / year |
At 18 months, improved cognitive decline | 35% | 30% |
More Convenient Injectable Version | No | Expected mid-2025 |
Official # of Patients Treated | 0 | 3,000 |
Cost to patient with Medicare Part B, besides non-drug costs) | About 20% (Around $6,400 / year) | About 20% ($5,300 /year) |
Approved In | USA (Jul 2024), Japan (Sep 2024) | USA, Japan, China, South Korea, Israel, Hong Kong, United Arab Emirates, England |
Marketed In | USA, Japan, China | |
No Government Assistance | England | |
Under Regulatory Review: | In 17 Countries | |
Disapproved by | Australia, EU (EU Reconsidering Decision) | |
Advantages: | Less burdensome dosing. | Slight edge on safety. |
Side Effects: | ||
Adverse Events | 17.4% | 21.3% |
ARIA (Amyloid-Related Imaging Abnormalities) | 37% | 21% |
Brain swelling | 25% | 12.6% |
Kisunla vs. Leqembi: A Comparative Overview
Let’s compare Kisunla and Leqembi, two drugs used in the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease:
1. Drug Class:
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- Kisunla:
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- Belongs to a new class of drugs designed to slow the progression of Alzheimer’s disease.
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- A monoclonal antibody that targets beta-amyloid, the toxic protein that accumulates in the brains of Alzheimer’s patients, forming plaques that disrupt normal brain signaling.
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- Kisunla:
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- Leqembi:
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- Also a monoclonal antibody targeting beta-amyloid.
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- Approved last year for certain patients with early Alzheimer’s disease.
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- Leqembi:
2. Approval:
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- Kisunla:
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- Infused once a month.
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- Kisunla:
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- Leqembi:
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- Approved earlier.
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- Leqembi:
3. Effectiveness:
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- Kisunla:
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- May slow declines in memory and thinking skills in early-stage Alzheimer’s patients.
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- Cannot reverse memory loss or other symptoms.
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- Not a cure.
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- Kisunla:
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- Leqembi:
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- Similar effects to Kisunla.
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- Leqembi:
4. Brain Scans:
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- Kisunla:
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- Patients can stop taking the drug after PET brain scans show minimal beta-amyloid levels (unlike Leqembi, where patients continue treatment).
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- Kisunla:
Remember that neither drug can reverse existing brain damage, and benefits are modest. Consult your doctor to determine the best treatment for your specific situation. 🧠
Nice to hear some perspective. My wife started suffering dementia last year. She was in a trial, and has tried a lot of options between prescriptions and supplements. Next week she gets a baseline mri and then hope to start the Kisunla infusions. We are hopeful for anything we can get
Hi, What is your wifes situation now? Did she get Kisunla infusions?
My wife starts Kisunla tomorrow. Would appreciate an update on your results.