Alzheimer’s drug approved for use by six million
LOS ANGELES: Eli Lilly & Co.’s Alzheimer’s treatment was cleared in the US as the second drug to slow progression of the mind-robbing disease that afflicts 6 million Americans.
It’s a big win for Lilly and its investors, who have been eagerly anticipating the drug since it showed promise in clinical trials more than three years ago. Called Kisunla, the medicine endured a number of regulatory delays on the road to approval. It will compete with Eisai Co.’s Leqembi, which has been available for sale in the US since early 2023.
Shares of Indianapolis-based Lily closed down 0.8 per cent yesterday in New York. The stock has surged more than 50 per cent so far this year before today amid rapid growth of weight-loss and diabetes sale. Shares of Eisai partner Biogen fell 1.3 per cent.
The Eisai and Lily products are both infusions that remove toxic amyloid from the brains of Alzheimer’s patients. They only modestly slow the disease and are approved only for people with early-stage Alzheimer’s.