Health Canada approved Eli Lilly's drug donanemab, sold under the brand name Kisunla, on May 5, 2026 [1], [2], [3].
The approval provides a new option for patients with early symptomatic Alzheimer's disease. Because the drug targets the underlying cause of the condition, it can slow the progression of dementia and cognitive decline in those with early-stage symptoms [2], [4].
Kisunla is the second disease-modifying Alzheimer's drug to receive approval in Canada [2]. The medication is administered as a once-monthly injection [4].
"Today, after more than 35 years of commitment to advancing Alzheimer's research, Lilly Canada announced Health Canada's approval of Kisunla," a Lilly Canada spokesperson said [5].
Health Canada noted that the drug addresses an unmet medical need for therapies that modify the course of the disease rather than just managing symptoms [2], [4]. A Health Canada spokesperson said, "We are pleased to approve Kisunla, which offers a new treatment option for Canadians living with early Alzheimer's disease" [5].
Financial data indicates the drug price is $47,250 per patient per year [6].
The approval follows trials that demonstrated the drug's ability to slow the progression of dementia [3]. The medication is specifically indicated for patients in the early stages of the disease, where cognitive interventions are most effective [1], [4].
“Kisunla is the second disease-modifying Alzheimer's drug to receive approval in Canada.”
The approval of donanemab expands the limited toolkit of disease-modifying therapies available in Canada. By targeting the biological drivers of Alzheimer's rather than just the symptoms, this treatment represents a shift toward slowing the actual progression of the disease. However, the high annual cost of $47,250 may create significant barriers to access and place a substantial financial burden on the healthcare system or individual patients.
