Overview
Kisunla is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease. This treatment is intended for people in the mild cognitive impairment or mild dementia stage of the disease, which was the population studied in clinical trials. Before starting treatment, individuals must confirm the presence of amyloid beta plaques (abnormal protein deposits in the brain) using imaging. Kisunla is also known by its drug name, donanemab-azbt.

Kisunla is a biologic drug called an amyloid beta-directed antibody. It is thought to work by targeting and helping remove amyloid plaques in the brain, which are believed to contribute to memory loss and other symptoms of Alzheimer's disease.

How do I take it?
Prescribing information states that Kisunla is given as an intravenous infusion over approximately 30 minutes every four weeks. The first four doses gradually increase in strength, followed by a maintenance dose every four weeks. Healthcare providers may consider stopping treatment if brain imaging shows amyloid plaques have been reduced to minimal levels. Kisunla should be administered exactly as prescribed by a healthcare provider.

Side effects
Common side effects of Kisunla include amyloid-related imaging abnormalities (ARIA, changes in brain tissue), ARIA with edema (ARIA-E, swelling in the brain), ARIA with hemosiderin deposits (ARIA-H, iron buildup in the brain), microhemorrhage (small brain bleeds), superficial siderosis (iron deposits in brain tissue), and headache.

Rare but serious side effects may include serious intracerebral hemorrhages (bleeding in the brain larger than 1 centimeter), symptomatic ARIA, and focal neurologic deficits (problems with brain, spinal cord, or nerve function) that may resemble an ischemic stroke. Infusion-related reactions may also occur. People who carry two copies of the ApoE e4 (ApoE e4 homozygotes) have a higher risk of developing ARIA, including more severe forms. Testing for ApoE e4 status is recommended before starting treatment.

For more information about this treatment, visit:

Kisunla (Donanemab-Azbt) Injection, for Intravenous Use — Eli Lilly