Alzheimer’s Market Set for Eightfold Boom: Lilly, Eisai, and Biogen Lead the Charge

Market Growth:
The Alzheimer's disease market is projected to experience an eightfold increase, reaching $13 billion by 2030, driven primarily by Eli Lilly, Eisai, and Biogen12.

Eli Lilly's Dominance:
Eli Lilly is anticipated to dominate the market with its drug donanemab (Kisunla), potentially holding half of the projected $13 billion market by 2030. This is due to its more convenient dosing schedule and the ability for patients to discontinue the drug once amyloid levels are adequately reduced12.

Leqembi's Position:
Eisai and Biogen's Leqembi, despite its current exclusivity and early success, may not secure a long-term leading position due to emerging competitors like Eli Lilly's Kisunla12.

Kisunla's Approval:
The FDA has approved Eli Lilly's Kisunla (donanemab) for treating adults with early symptomatic Alzheimer's disease, including those with mild cognitive impairment and mild dementia. This approval positions Kisunla as a competitor to Leqembi23.

Market Dynamics:
The Alzheimer's market is expected to become more competitive, with other companies like AC Immune, Alzheon, Cassava Sciences, and Vivoryon Therapeutics emerging as potential contenders, potentially generating around $3 billion annually by the end of the decade1.

Pricing and Safety:
Kisunla is priced at $695.65 per vial, with a total cost of $32,000 per year, compared to Leqembi's $26,500 per year. However, Kisunla has a perceived less favorable safety profile on amyloid-related imaging abnormalities (ARIA) compared to Leqembi23.

Sources:

1. https://synapse.patsnap.com/article/eli-lilly-poised-to-dominate-13b-alzheimers-market-over-eisai-biogen

2. https://www.fiercepharma.com/pharma/game-lillys-alzheimers-drug-kisunla-challenger-biogen-and-eisais-leqembi-gains-full-fda-nod

3. https://www.biopharmadive.com/news/lilly-alzheimers-drug-fda-approval-kisunla-donanemab/720497/