Alzheimer’s disease is complex, and no single drug or treatment is likely to work for all people living with the disease. Still, in recent years, scientists have made tremendous progress in better understanding Alzheimer’s and related causes of dementia and in developing and testing new treatments.
Understanding Amyloid-Beta and Alzheimer’s Treatments
In Alzheimer’s disease, the brain accumulates a protein called amyloid-beta, leading to the degeneration of neurons. Several drugs are being developed to target these amyloid-beta plaques, specifically monoclonal antibodies. These drugs aim to slow the progression of the disease in its early stages.
The Penn Memory Center (PMC) is actively involved in clinical trials and treatments for Alzheimer’s. Below, we highlight two major FDA-approved therapies: Leqembi (lecanemab) and Kisunla (donanemab).
Leqembi (Lecanemab)
Leqembi is a monoclonal antibody that targets amyloid-beta to slow cognitive decline in individuals with early-stage Alzheimer’s disease. It was fully approved by the FDA in 2023. The drug is given as an hour-long intravenous (IV) infusion every two weeks. It is currently available to Penn Medicine patients.
In a study of 1,800 participants, Leqembi slowed cognitive decline by 27% compared to a placebo. However, patients receiving Leqembi had a higher risk of brain bleeding and swelling.
“The benefit is real; so too are the risks.” — Dr. Jason Karlawish, PMC co-director
Kisunla (Donanemab)
Kisunla, also known as donanemab, is another monoclonal antibody treatment that targets amyloid plaques. It’s designed for people with early symptomatic Alzheimer’s, including mild cognitive impairment and mild dementia. It was fully approved by the FDA in 2024. The drug is administered once a month via a 30-minute intravenous infusion, with many participants completing their course of treatment within 12 months.
The Penn Memory Center is working to make Kisunla available to eligible patients. More details will be shared as plans develop.
The approval of Kisunla offers another treatment option for patients with early-stage Alzheimer’s. PMC Co-Directors Dr. David Wolk emphasized the drug’s precision-medicine approach in targeting amyloid plaques and calls it “an exciting advance.”
Learn More
For more information on these treatments, watch our PMC Community Discussion on Anti-Amyloid Treatments for Alzheimer’s Disease.