The Swiss Agency for Therapeutic Products Swissmedic has authorized the active substance donanemab (trade name: Kisunla®) for the treatment of early-stage Alzheimer's disease. Patients at the University Hospital Zurich (USZ) can now visit the Memory Clinic to find out whether this therapy is suitable for them.
Donanemab is an antibody that acts specifically against typical protein deposits in the brain, so-called amyloid plaques. Studies show that treatment can slow down the deterioration of mental abilities in people in the early stages of the disease. However, the therapy cannot cure the disease or restore lost abilities. However, it may help to preserve memory and other cognitive abilities for longer.
Who is eligible for the treatment?
The treatment is intended for people in the early stages of Alzheimer’s disease, i.e. with mild cognitive impairment or mild dementia. A prerequisite for treatment is the detection of amyloid deposits in the brain and a genetic test (ApoE test).
In certain situations, treatment is not recommended, for example after previous strokes, with certain blood clotting disorders or with some other neurological diseases. Comprehensive medical clarifications are therefore necessary before starting therapy with the new active substance.
These examinations can be carried out in the Memory Clinic of the Department of Neurology at the USZ following a medical referral. At present, the costs of therapy are not automatically covered in Switzerland, which is why an application must be made to the health insurance company in individual cases.
