Kisunla (Donanemab) |  Leqembi (Lecanemab) | |
|---|---|---|
Drug Class | Monoclonal antibody. Binds itself to plaque AFTER fibers have clumped together as larger plaques in the brain. | Monoclonal antibody. 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 | 2,000 |
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 | USA, Japan, China, South Korea, Israel, Hong Kong |
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. 
Learn more:
The post How to Choose Between Kisunla vs. Leqembi appeared first on Alzheimer's & Dementia Weekly.
Disclaimer: This story is auto-aggregated by a computer program and has not been created or edited by healthlydays.
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