Yes, there's a new drug to treat early Alzheimer's: Here's what you should know.

In July, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Kisunla (donanemab) for the treatment of people living with early symptomatic Alzheimer’s disease, which includes mild cognitive impairment and the mild dementia stage of Alzheimer’s disease, with confirmed amyloid plaques.

Kisunla, made by Eli Lilly and Company, is the latest in the new class of treatments that could slow cognitive decline in initial stages of the disease. Kinsula, administered by IV infusion every four weeks, treats those with mild Alzheimer’s disease and Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) caused by Alzheimer’s. The cost is estimated at $32,000 for a 12-month supply and coverage and reimbursement for Kisunla are now available for eligible patients on Medicare under a National Coverage Determination with Coverage and Development.

Additionally, as of October 2023, broad coverage and reimbursement for amyloid PET scans are available for eligible patients on Medicare. Out-of-pocket costs for treatment with Kisunla will depend on the length of treatment and their insurance. According to Eli Lilly and Company, Kinsula slowed cognitive and functional decline in patients by up to 35% compared to a placebo.

However, this treatment can cause headaches and brain swelling (ARIA) and bleeding, yet these side effects occurred in about 10% of patients. Other side effects include allergic reactions, hives, difficulty breathing, and infusion-related reactions such as skin irritation, nausea, chest pain, vomi.