UPPER SAUCON TWP., Pa. — A new drug designed to slow the progression of memory loss in those with Alzheimer's Disease is available, and a St. Luke’s physician who works with the older population said it’s an option he'll discuss with patients.
The medication, called Kisunla (donanemab-azbt), is an injection for people with mild cognitive impairment or mild dementia stage of disease, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
The clinical trials were done on patients in that stage of Alzheimer's.
"These medications don't stop the progression of the disease.”Dr. Alaa Mira, Chief of Geriatrics, St. Luke's University Health Network
"For a long time, we didn't have really any options," said Dr. Alaa Mira, chief of geriatrics at St. Luke's University Health Network.
"Now we have at least two options to offer to our patients.”
Kisunla is the second medication of its kind to be approved by the FDA. Leqembi (lecanemab-irmb) was approved in 2023 and is similar to Kisunla.
"How the medication works, it's a monoclonal antibody," Mira said. "Basically it removes the amyloid from the brain. The amyloid is the hallmark proteins of Alzheimer's disease.
"These medications don't stop the progression of the disease.”
More than 6.5 million Americans suffer from Alzheimer’s Disease, which slowly destroys memory and thinking skills, according to the FDA.
The medications are only said to be effective in mild cases.
Some side effects
Mira works with the older population in the Lehigh Valley and said it’s an option he'll discuss with patients to determine if the benefits outweigh the risks.
"The good news is that the research has been going on for a long time and hopefully that we've been seeing more medications or treatment options for Alzheimer's dementia,” he said.
"We have to understand these medications don't cure memory loss and don't stop the progression of the disease and also these medications have side effects, some side effects, although rare side effects.”
"Some patients really get excited and interested in trying the medication. Others are not interested because of the side effects."Dr. Alaa Mira, Chief of Geriatrics, St. Luke's University Health Network
Mira said the side effects include brain swelling and small hemorrhage or bleeding in the brain.
The FDA said more side effects from the injection are possible — such as flu-like symptoms, nausea, vomiting and changes in blood pressure.
Also, hypersensitivity reactions, including anaphylaxis (severe, life-threatening allergic reaction) and angioedema (swelling).
Mira said he will prescribe the drug to his patients if both he and the patient feel it’s the right choice for that specific case.
"Some patients really get excited and interested in trying the medication," he said. "Others are not interested because of the side effects."
