News
31 May, 2025
New Alzheimer’s treatment
AUSTRALIANS in the early stages of Alzheimer’s disease now have access to a new treatment, following the Therapeutic Goods Administration’s approval of Kisunla.
Developed by Eli Lilly, Kisunla is the first medicine approved in Australia that targets the underlying cause of Alzheimer’s by clearing the amyloid plaques that disrupt brain function. It is the first new Alzheimer’s treatment registered in Australia in 25 years.
The drug is administered via monthly infusion and is available to adults with early symptomatic Alzheimer’s who meet specific genetic criteria and have confirmed amyloid plaque in the brain.
Professor Michael Woodward, Head of Dementia Research at Austin Health in Melbourne, said the approval is a major milestone. “We’ve been waiting a very long time to offer a treatment like this,” he said. “There is a crucial window where we can intervene to help patients maintain independence for longer.” Around 600,000 Australians are living with Alzheimer’s, with an estimated 450,000 in the early stages who could be assessed for treatment eligibility.
The disease is the nation’s third leading cause of death.
Lilly’s Tori Brown described the approval as a “pivotal moment” and said it should spark urgent reforms to improve early diagnosis, care pathways and access to treatment.
A reimbursement application will be considered by the Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee in July, with public submissions open until 28 May.
