What is Kisunla?
Kisunla is a treatment for people with Alzheimer’s disease. It helps slow declines in memory and thinking that lead to inefficiencies and disabilities in daily activities such as using technology, managing finances and managing a home. It does this by targeting amyloid plaques in the brain.
Who is eligible?
Kisunla is for adults with:
- Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) due to Alzheimer’s disease
- Mild dementia due to Alzheimer’s disease
How does Kisunla work?
Kisunla attaches to amyloid plaques in the brain and helps clear them away.
In studies, it reduced amyloid levels by:
- 61% after 6 months
- 80% after 12 months
- 84% after 18 months
How is Kisunla given?
- Monthly intravenous (IV) infusion
- Each session lasts about 30 minutes
- Observation for 30 minutes afterward
- Treatment length depends on your brain scan results
Some people stop after 6–18 months if amyloid levels are low. Your doctor will determine how long you should continue treatment based on amyloid levels detected via PET scan.
Testing before treatment
To see if Kisunla is right for you, your doctor will:
- Review your memory and thinking tests
- Order an MRI to check brain safety
- Test for amyloid using a PET scan or spinal fluid
- Run blood tests and APOE genetic testing
What is the APOE gene?
The APOE gene affects Alzheimer’s risk and side effects from Kisunla. People with the e4 version are more likely to develop brain swelling or small bleeds. Testing helps doctors plan safe care.
Side effects
Most common:
- Brain swelling or small brain bleeds (usually without symptoms)
- Headache, dizziness, confusion, nausea, or vision changes
- Infusion reactions such as swelling, rash, or trouble breathing
Your care team will monitor you with regular MRIs and visits.
Learn more about Kisunla side effects
Monitoring schedule
- MRI before the 2nd, 3rd, 4th, and 7th infusions
- Regular follow-up visits every 6 months
Kisunla FAQ: MRI, Lab Work, and Infusions
Cost
In a news release, the manufacturers of Kisunla announced a yearly price of $32,000 for the drug. The annual cost to you will be determined by insurers.
Questions or appointments
Contact Penn Memory Center: pennmemorycenter@pennmedicine.upenn.edu
Kisunla resources
- Kisunla side effects
- Kisunla FAQ: MRI, Lab Work, and Infusions
- APOE Relatives Education FAQ
- Care Partner Expectations
Resources from Kisunla.lilly.com
- Early Alzheimer’s Treatment | Kisunla ® (donanemab)
- About Kisunla | Kisunla ® (donanemab)
- Medication Guide
- Possible Side Effects
Kisunla in the news
- FDA approves treatment for adults with Alzheimer’s disease, FDA.gov
- New Drug Approved for Early Alzheimer’s, The New York Times