Health officials back ‘groundbreaking’ new drug for Alzheimer’s treatment

ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WROC) – The FDA has approved a new drug for Alzheimer’s Disease, which is said to be groundbreaking toward treatment in a patient’s early stages.

The drug, known as Kisunla, is manufactured by Eli Lilly. It’s a monthly IV injection for those with an early Alzheimer’s diagnosis. Health officials tell News 8 it will serve as a major step in slowing the decline of the disease, and will lead to an overall better quality of life.

“For so many years, families and patients dealing with this devastating disease did not have any options when it came to treatments that could actually change the course of the disease,” said Ashley Lorch, Upstate New York health systems director for the Alzheimer’s Association.

Lorch says the approval is cause for celebration, as officials and those affected by the disease had eagerly awaited the day for the drug to clear FDA standards.

“This medication offers choice. There were medications, and there are medications still, that can change the symptoms and improve symptoms. But, these drugs are the first of their kind that are medications that can actually change the course of the disease and slow it down,” said Lorch.

According to the CDC, nearly seven million people are currently living with Alzheimer’s in the U.S. That number is expected to triple by 2060.

Lorch says it brings the urgency in finding options for care, and making sure patients have access to care.

“For anyone who’s ever been touched by these devastating diseases, 15 or 20 years ago, the message was that there’s nothing we can do for these people. Now, there actually are options that can slow down the course of the disease and help maintain people’s thinking skills, functional skills, memories with family, and just giving them that quality of life back,” she said, “We are certainly very hopeful for the future. There are many clinical trials going on as well as new medications that may target different aspects of the disease. However, at this time, it is crucial to seek an early diagnosis.”

Kisunla will be available in the coming weeks. Officials say consulting with your health care provider first is essential. More resources can be found on the Alzheimer’s Association’s website , or via their 24/7 help line at 1-800-272-3900.

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