India has taken a significant step in dementia care with the introduction of a new disease-modifying therapy for Alzheimer’s disease. US-based pharmaceutical company Eli Lilly and Company has launched donanemab in India under the brand name Lormalzi, offering new hope for patients in the early stages of the condition.
The drug has been approved by the Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO) and is positioned as a treatment that goes beyond symptom management by targeting the underlying disease process.
A New Approach to Alzheimer’s Treatment
Lormalzi belongs to a class of medicines known as monoclonal antibodies. It is designed to target and clear amyloid beta plaques in the brain, which are widely recognised as a key feature of Alzheimer’s disease.
The treatment is administered as a once-a-month intravenous infusion, with a standard dose of 350 mg. It is intended for patients diagnosed with early symptomatic Alzheimer’s disease, including those with mild cognitive impairment or mild dementia.
Clinical studies suggest that in carefully selected patients, the therapy may slow cognitive decline, particularly when started in the early stages. However, experts stress that it does not cure the disease or reverse existing brain damage, but may delay progression.
Neurology experts have described this development as a shift toward disease-modifying care, since most earlier therapies primarily focused on managing symptoms rather than targeting the underlying pathology.
Who Can Benefit and How It Works in the Body
The drug works by binding to amyloid beta deposits in the brain and helping the immune system clear them over time. These deposits are believed to interfere with normal brain function and contribute to memory loss and cognitive decline.
Doctors say that reducing amyloid burden has been associated with slower disease progression in some patients, though results vary depending on stage of disease and individual biology.
Patient selection is critical, as the treatment is most effective in early-stage cases. Advanced diagnostic tools such as brain imaging, biomarker testing, and sometimes genetic screening may be required before starting therapy.
Safety Considerations and Monitoring Needs
While promising, the treatment comes with medical risks that require close monitoring. One of the known side effects observed in clinical trials is ARIA (amyloid-related imaging abnormalities), which can include brain swelling or small brain bleeds.
Because of this, patients on Lormalzi typically require regular MRI scans and medical supervision throughout the treatment cycle.
Cost and Accessibility Challenges in India
The biggest concern surrounding the launch is affordability. A single vial of Lormalzi is priced at approximately ₹91,688 (around $957), and patients may require multiple monthly infusions depending on their treatment plan.
This places the overall cost of therapy close to ₹1 lakh per dose, making long-term treatment financially challenging for many families.
Experts also highlight that access to diagnostic infrastructure and specialist care remains limited in many parts of India, which could restrict the drug’s reach to major urban centres and well-equipped hospitals.
A Step Forward, But Not a Cure
India currently has an estimated 8.8 million people living with dementia, with Alzheimer’s accounting for the majority of cases. This number is projected to rise sharply in the coming decades, increasing pressure on healthcare systems and families.
While Lormalzi is being viewed as a landmark development in neurological care, doctors emphasise that its impact will depend heavily on early diagnosis, careful patient selection, and financial accessibility.
For now, the drug represents a meaningful scientific advancement, but not a definitive solution to Alzheimer’s disease.