How to Choose Between Kisunla vs. Leqembi

Kisunla
(Donanemab)

Leqembi
(Lecanemab) Drug ClassMonoclonal 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.ApprovalJuly 2, 2024 July 2023Infusions1 / month2 / monthIf scans show substantial
clearing of brainOften OK to stop treatment
after 6 – 18 monthsContinue treatment anywayCost$32,000 / year$26,000 / yearAt 18 months,
improved cognitive decline35%30%More Convenient Injectable VersionNoExpected mid-2025Official # of Patients Treated02,000Cost to patient with Medicare
Part B, besides non-drug costs)About 20%
(Around $6,400 / year)About 20%
($5,300 /year)Approved InUSAUSA, Japan, China, South Korea, Israel, Hong KongSide Effects: Adverse Events17.4%21.3%ARIA (Amyloid-Related
Imaging Abnormalities)37%21%Brain swelling25%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:

- Kisunla:
  - - Belongs to a new class of drugs designed to slow the progression of Alzheimer’s disease.
  - - 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.

- Leqembi:
  - - Also a monoclonal antibody targeting beta-amyloid.
  - - Approved last year for certain patients with early Alzheimer’s disease.

2. Approval:

- Kisunla:
  - - FDA approved on July 2, 2024 1.
  - - Infused once a month.

- Leqembi:
  - - Approved earlier.
  - - Administered twice a month 1.

3. Effectiveness:

- Kisunla:
  - - May slow declines in memory and thinking skills in early-stage Alzheimer’s patients.
  - - Cannot reverse memory loss or other symptoms.
  - - Not a cure.

- Leqembi:
  - - Similar effects to Kisunla.

4. Brain Scans:

- Kisunla:
  - - Patients can stop taking the drug after PET brain scans show minimal beta-amyloid levels (unlike Leqembi, where patients continue treatment).
  - - In the clinical trial, nearly half of those who received Kisunla stayed at the same cognitive level after one year 1.

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.