kisunla
Pharmaranks rates Kisunla 3.5/5 for recall safety — an independent score from its FDA recall history and its manufacturer's record. Kisunla (Donanemab-Azbt) is a medication used to treat Alzheimer Disease, Neurocognitive Disorders.
Donanemab-Azbt · by Eli Lilly Co
Based on 1 source · Recall-safety score from FDA recall history — this product's own recalls and its manufacturer's record. Not an efficacy or quality rating. methodology →
Key facts
- Active ingredient
- Donanemab-Azbt
- Form
- Injectable
- Strength
- DONANEMAB-AZBT 350MG/20ML(17.5MG/ML)
- Type
- Prescription (Rx)
- Brand or generic
- Brand-name
- May treat
- alzheimer disease, neurocognitive disorders
- Manufacturer
- Eli Lilly Co
- FDA application
- BLA761248
- FDA boxed warning
- Yes — see the boxed warning
What is Kisunla?
From the FDA label:Donanemab-azbt is a humanized immunoglobulin gamma 1 (IgG1) monoclonal antibody directed against insoluble N-truncated pyroglutamate amyloid beta, and is expressed in a Chinese hamster ovary cell line. Donanemab-azbt has an approximate molecular weight of 145 kDa. KISUNLA (donanemab-azbt) injection is a sterile, preservative-free, clear to opalescent, colorless to slightly yellow to slightly brown solution for intravenous infusion after dilution. KISUNLA is supplied in single-dose vials available in a concentration of 350 mg/20 mL (17.5 mg/mL). Each mL of solution contains 17.5 mg donanemab-azbt, anhydrous citric acid (0.32 mg), polysorbate 80 (0.20 mg), sodium citrate (2.15 mg), sucrose (80 mg), and Water for Injection, USP, at a pH of 5.5 to 6.5.
How to use
Confirm the presence of amyloid beta pathology prior to initiating treatment. ( 2.1 ) Administer KISUNLA as an intravenous infusion over approximately 30 minutes every four weeks as follows ( 2.2 ): Infusion 1: 350 mg Infusion 2: 700 mg Infusion 3: 1,050 mg Infusion 4 and beyond: 1,400 mg Consider stopping dosing with KISUNLA based on reduction of amyloid plaques to minimal levels on amyloid PET imaging. ( 2.2 ) Obtain a recent baseline brain MRI prior to initiating treatment. ( 2.3 , 5.1 ) Obtain an MRI prior to the 2nd, 3rd, 4th, and 7th infusions. If radiographically observed ARIA occurs, treatment recommendations are based on type, severity, and presence of symptoms. ( 2.3 , 5.1 ) Dilution to a final concentration of 4 mg/mL to 10 mg/mL with 0.9% Sodium Chloride Injection, is required prior to administration. ( 2.4 ) 2.1 Patient Selection Confirm the presence of amyloid beta pathology prior to initiating treatment [see Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.1 )] . 2.2 Dosing Instructions Administer KISUNLA every four weeks as an intravenous infusion over approximately 30 minutes with the recommended dosage and dosing schedule described in Table 1 . KISUNLA must be diluted prior to administration ( see Table 4 ). Table 1: Recommended Dosage* and Dosing Schedule *Dosing Regimen 2 [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 ) and Clinical Studies ( 14 )] Intravenous Infusion (every 4 weeks)…
Side effects
The following clinically significant adverse reactions are described elsewhere in the labeling: Amyloid Related Imaging Abnormalities [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 )] Hypersensitivity Reactions [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.2 )] Infusion-Related Reactions [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.3 )] Most common adverse reactions (at least 10% and higher incidence compared to placebo): ARIA-E, ARIA-H microhemorrhage, ARIA-H superficial siderosis, and headache. ( 6.1 ) To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Eli Lilly and Company at 1-800-LillyRx (1-800-545-5979) or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch. 6.1 Clinical Trials Experience Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical trials of a drug cannot be directly compared to rates in the clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in practice. Dosing Regimen and Safety A lower incidence of ARIA occurred with the dosing regimen administered in Study 2 (350 mg/700 mg/1,050 mg/1,400 mg; Dosing Regimen 2) as compared to the regimen administered in Study 1 (700 mg/700 mg/700 mg/1,400 mg; Dosing Regimen 1); therefore, Dosing Regimen 2 is recommended for administration of KISUNLA [see Dosage and Administration ( 2.2 ), Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 ), Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.2 ), Clinical Studies ( 14 )] . The…
FDA Boxed Warning (the FDA’s most serious warning)
Boxed (black-box) warning — from the FDA label
Monoclonal antibodies directed against aggregated forms of beta amyloid, including KISUNLA, can cause amyloid related imaging abnormalities (ARIA), characterized as ARIA with edema (ARIA-E) and ARIA with hemosiderin deposition (ARIA-H). Incidence and timing of ARIA vary among treatments. ARIA usually occurs early in treatment and is usually asymptomatic, although serious and life-threatening events can occur. ARIA can be fatal. Serious intracerebral hemorrhages >1 cm, some of which have been fatal, have been observed in patients treated with this class of medications. Because ARIA-E can cause focal neurologic deficits that can mimic an ischemic stroke, treating clinicians should consider whether such symptoms could be due to ARIA-E before giving thrombolytic therapy in a patient being treated with KISUNLA [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 ), Adverse Reactions ( 6.1 )] . ApoE ε4 Homozygotes Patients who are apolipoprotein E ε4 (ApoE ε4) homozygotes (approximately 15% of Alzheimer's disease patients) treated with this class of medications, including KISUNLA, have a higher incidence of ARIA, including symptomatic, serious, and severe radiographic ARIA, compared to heterozygotes and noncarriers [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 )] . Testing for ApoE ε4 status should be performed prior to initiation of treatment to inform the risk of developing ARIA. Prior to testing, the risk of ARIA across genotypes and the implications of genetic testing results should be discussed with patients. Prescribers should inform patients that if genotype testing is not performed, they can still be treated with KISUNLA; however, it cannot be determined if they are ApoE ε4 homozygotes and at higher risk for ARIA [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 )] . Consider the benefit of KISUNLA for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease and potential risk of serious adverse events associated with ARIA when deciding to initiate treatment with KISUNLA [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 ) and Clinical Studies ( 14 )] . WARNING: AMYLOID RELATED IMAGING ABNORMALITIES See full prescribing information for complete boxed warning. Monoclonal antibodies directed against aggregated forms of beta amyloid, including KISUNLA, can cause amyloid related imaging abnormalities (ARIA), as ARIA with edema (ARIA-E) and ARIA with hemosiderin deposition (ARIA-H). ARIA is usually asymptomatic, although serious and life-threatening events can occur. ARIA can be fatal. Serious intracerebral hemorrhages >1 cm have occurred in patients treated with this class of medications. ARIA-E can cause focal neurologic deficits that can mimic ischemic stroke. ( 5.1 , 6.1 ) ApoE ε4 Homozygotes Patients treated with this class of medications, including KISUNLA, who are ApoE ε4 homozygotes have a higher incidence of ARIA, including symptomatic and serious ARIA, compared to heterozygotes and noncarriers. Testing for ApoE ε 4 status should be performed prior to initiation of treatment to inform the risk of developing ARIA. Prior to testing, the risk of ARIA across genotypes and implications of genetic testing results should be discussed with patients. ( 5.1 ) Consider the benefit for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease and risk of ARIA when deciding to treat with KISUNLA. ( 5.1 , 14 )
Warnings
Important safety information
Amyloid Related Imaging Abnormalities (ARIA): Enhanced clinical vigilance for ARIA is recommended during the first 24 weeks of treatment with KISUNLA. Risk of ARIA, including symptomatic ARIA, was increased in apolipoprotein E ε4 (ApoE ε4) homozygotes compared to heterozygotes and noncarriers. The risk of ARIA-E and ARIA-H is increased in KISUNLA-treated patients with pretreatment microhemorrhages and/or superficial siderosis. If a patient experiences symptoms suggestive of ARIA, clinical evaluation should be performed, including MRI scanning if indicated. ( 2.3 , 5.1 ) Infusion-Related Reactions: The infusion rate may be reduced, or the infusion may be discontinued, and appropriate therapy initiated as clinically indicated. Consider pre-treatment with antihistamines, acetaminophen, or corticosteroids prior to subsequent dosing. ( 5.3 ) 5.1 Amyloid Related Imaging Abnormalities Monoclonal antibodies directed against aggregated forms of beta amyloid, including KISUNLA, can cause amyloid related imaging abnormalities (ARIA), characterized as ARIA with edema (ARIA-E), which can be observed on MRI as brain edema or sulcal effusions, and ARIA with hemosiderin deposition (ARIA-H), which includes microhemorrhage and superficial siderosis. ARIA can occur spontaneously in patients with Alzheimer's disease, particularly in patients with MRI findings suggestive of cerebral amyloid angiopathy, such as pretreatment microhemorrhage or superficial siderosis. ARIA-H associated with monoclonal antibodies directed against aggregated forms of beta amyloid generally occurs in association with an occurrence of ARIA-E. ARIA-H of any cause and ARIA-E can occur together. ARIA usually occurs early in treatment and is usually asymptomatic, although serious and life-threatening events, including seizure and status epilepticus, can occur. ARIA can be fatal. When present, reported symptoms associated with ARIA may include, but are not limited to, headache, confusion, visual changes, dizziness, nausea, and gait difficulty. Focal neurologic deficits may also occur. Symptoms associated with ARIA usually resolve over time. In addition to ARIA, intracerebral hemorrhages greater than 1 cm in diameter have occurred in patients treated with KISUNLA. Consider the benefit of KISUNLA for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease and potential risk of serious adverse events associated with ARIA when deciding to initiate treatment with KISUNLA. Study 1 and Study 2 Overview [see Clinical Studies ( 14 )] In Study 1, safety was assessed in patients who received KISUNLA Dosing Regimen 1 (n = 853) compared to those who received placebo (n = 874). In Study 2, the effect of different dosing regimens of KISUNLA on ARIA was assessed, including in patients who received KISUNLA Dosing Regimen 2 (n=212), which is the recommended dosage and described below. Incidence of ARIA A lower incidence of ARIA was observed with Dosing Regimen 2 as compared to Dosing Regimen 1. Therefore, Dosing Regimen 2 is the recommended dosage for KISUNLA. In Study 1, symptomatic ARIA-E occurred in 6% of patients through 18 months of treatment with KISUNLA [see Adverse Reactions ( 6.1 )] . Clinical symptoms associated with ARIA-E resolved in approximately 85% of those patients. Including asymptomatic radiographic events, ARIA, ARIA-E, and ARIA-H were observed in 36%, 24%, and 31% of patients treated with KISUNLA, respectively, compared to 14%, 2%, and 13% of patients on placebo, respectively. There was no increase in isolated ARIA-H (i.e., ARIA-H in patients who did not also experience ARIA-E) for KISUNLA compared to placebo. In Study 2, symptomatic ARIA-E occurred in 3% of patients and symptomatic ARIA-H occurred in less than 1% of patients through 12 months of treatment with KISUNLA [ see Adverse Reactions ( 6.1 )] . Clinical symptoms associated with ARIA-E resolved in approximately 67% of patients at 12 months. Including asymptomatic radiographic events, ARIA, ARIA-E, and ARIA-H were observed in 29%, 16%, and 25% of patients treated with KISUNLA. Incidence of Intracerebral Hemorrhage Intracerebral hemorrhage greater than 1 cm in diameter was reported in 0.5% of patients treated with KISUNLA compared to 0.2% of patients on placebo in Study 1, and in 1% of patients treated with KISUNLA in Study 2. Fatal events of intracerebral hemorrhage in patients taking KISUNLA have been observed. Risk Factors for ARIA and Intracerebral Hemorrhage ApoE ε4 Carrier Status The risk of ARIA, including symptomatic and serious ARIA, is increased in apolipoprotein E ε4 (ApoE ε4) homozygotes, which include approximately 15% of Alzheimer's disease patients. In Study 1, of patients in the KISUNLA arm (n=850), 17% were ApoE ε4 homozygotes, 53% were heterozygotes, and 30% were noncarriers. The incidence of ARIA through 18 months was higher in ApoE ε4 homozygotes (55% on KISUNLA vs. 22% on placebo) than in heterozygotes (36% on KISUNLA vs. 13% on placebo) and noncarriers (25% on KISUNLA vs. 12% on placebo). Among patients treated with KISUNLA, symptomatic ARIA-E occurred in 8% of ApoE ε4 homozygotes compared with 7% of heterozygotes and 4% of noncarriers. Serious events of ARIA occurred in 3% of ApoE ε4 homozygotes, 2% of heterozygotes, and 1% of noncarriers. In Study 2, of patients treated with KISUNLA Dosing Regimen 2 (n=211), 10% were ApoE ε4 homozygotes, 55% were heterozygotes, and 36% were noncarriers. Symptomatic ARIA-E occurred in 0% of ApoE ε4 homozygotes compared with 4% of heterozygotes and 3% of noncarriers. The small number of events and limited exposure in the ApoE ε4 subgroups limit definitive conclusions about the risk of ARIA-E. The recommendations for management of ARIA do not differ based on ApoE ε4 carrier status [see Dosage and Administration ( 2.3 )] . Testing for ApoE ε4 status should be performed prior to initiation of treatment to inform the risk of developing ARIA. Prior to testing, prescribers should discuss with patients the risk of ARIA across genotypes and the implications of genetic testing results. Prescribers should inform patients that if genotype testing is not performed, they can still be treated with KISUNLA; however, it cannot be determined if they are ApoE ε4 homozygotes and at a higher risk for ARIA. An FDA-authorized test for detection of ApoE ε4 alleles to identify patients at risk of ARIA if treated with KISUNLA is not currently available. Currently available tests used to identify ApoE ε4 alleles may vary in accuracy and design. Radiographic Findings of Cerebral Amyloid Angiopathy (CAA) Neuroimaging findings that may indicate CAA include evidence of prior intracerebral hemorrhage, cerebral microhemorrhage, and cortical superficial siderosis. CAA has an increased risk for intracerebral hemorrhage. The presence of an ApoE ε4 allele is also associated with cerebral amyloid angiopathy. In Study 1, the baseline presence of at least 2 microhemorrhages or the presence of at least 1 area of superficial siderosis on MRI, which may be suggestive of CAA, were identified as risk factors for ARIA. Patients were excluded from enrollment in Study 1 for findings on neuroimaging of prior intracerebral hemorrhage greater than 1 cm in diameter, more than 4 microhemorrhages, more than 1 area of superficial siderosis, severe white matter disease, and vasogenic edema. Concomitant Antithrombotic or Thrombolytic Medication In Study 1, baseline use of antithrombotic medication (aspirin, other antiplatelets, or anticoagulants) was allowed. The majority of exposures to antithrombotic medications were to aspirin. The incidence of ARIA-H was 30% (106/349) in patients taking KISUNLA with a concomitant antithrombotic medication within 30 days compared to 29% (148/504) who did not receive an antithrombotic within 30 days of an ARIA-H event. The incidence of intracerebral hemorrhage greater than 1 cm in diameter was 0.6% (2/349 patients) in patients taking KISUNLA with a concomitant antithrombotic medication compared to 0.4% (2/504) in those who…
Who should not take Kisunla
KISUNLA is contraindicated in patients with known serious hypersensitivity to donanemab-azbt or to any of the excipients. Reactions have included anaphylaxis [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.2 )] . KISUNLA is contraindicated in patients with known serious hypersensitivity to donanemab-azbt or to any of the excipients. ( 4 , 5.2 )
Storing Kisunla, and how long it keeps
Quoted from this product’s own FDA label. Storage belongs to the product and its device, not to the drug in general — a pen and a tablet of the same medicine are kept completely differently.
- “If the diluted KISUNLA solution is not administered immediately, store refrigerated at 2°C to 8°C (36°F to 46°F) for up to 72 hours or at room temperature (20°C to 25°C [68°F to 77°F]) for up to 12 hours.”
- “Do not freeze the diluted KISUNLA solution.”
May treat (source: NIH RxClass)
Dosage forms
Injectable
The forms currently marketed in the U.S., per the FDA National Drug Code Directory.
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Frequently asked questions
- What does Kisunla treat?
- Kisunla (Donanemab-Azbt) may be used to treat alzheimer disease, neurocognitive disorders, based on NIH RxClass drug-classification data (conditions a drug may treat — not a verbatim copy of the FDA-approved label). This is general reference, not medical advice.
- How is Kisunla rated?
- pharmaranks gives Kisunla a composite score of 3.5 out of 5, currently based on 1 weighted source (FDA regulatory recall-safety data weighted highest). See our methodology at /how-we-rate.
- Is there a coupon or discount for Kisunla?
- pharmaranks is an independent ratings site, not a pharmacy — we don't issue coupons or sell Kisunla. To pay less, ask your prescriber or pharmacist whether a generic equivalent exists, check the manufacturer's copay/savings card and patient-assistance program, and compare a pharmacy discount card against your insurance copay. Prices vary by pharmacy, insurance, and location, so always confirm at the counter. This is general reference, not medical or financial advice.
- Who makes Kisunla?
- Kisunla is marketed by Eli Lilly Co. You can see Eli Lilly Co's full profile, rating, and other products on pharmaranks.
- Is Kisunla a brand-name or generic drug?
- Kisunla is a brand-name product with the active ingredient Donanemab-Azbt.
- Is Kisunla available over the counter?
- No. Kisunla is a prescription (Rx) medication in the US — you need a prescription from a licensed clinician (in person or via telehealth); it isn't sold over the counter. For some conditions there are OTC alternatives — ask your pharmacist.
- What forms does Kisunla come in?
- Kisunla is currently marketed as injectable, per the FDA's National Drug Code Directory.
- Is Kisunla FDA-registered?
- Kisunla is on record with the U.S. FDA under application number BLA761248. You can verify this on its official FDA label.
- Has Kisunla been recalled by the FDA?
- Kisunla has no FDA recalls recorded under its own application in the openFDA enforcement database. Its recall-safety score reflects its manufacturer's overall recall record. This is general reference, not medical advice — check the FDA recall database for the latest alerts.
- Is Kisunla safe?
- There's no single safe-or-not verdict. pharmaranks gives Kisunla a recall-safety score of 70/100, based on its FDA recall history (no recalls under its own FDA application) — not an efficacy or side-effect rating. Review its FDA-label side effects and warnings before use, and always consult a licensed professional.
- What are the side effects of Kisunla?
- Kisunla's side effects are taken directly from its FDA label. From the label: The following clinically significant adverse reactions are described elsewhere in the labeling: Amyloid Related Imaging Abnormalities [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 )] Hypersensitivity Reactions [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.2 )] Infusion-Related Reactions [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.… Both common and serious reactions are documented in full on this page. This is general reference from the FDA, not medical advice — always consult a professional.
Clinical content sourced from the FDA label via openFDA (U.S. FDA). View the FDA label on DailyMed → Provided for general reference only — not medical advice. Always consult a licensed professional and the current prescribing information.
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70/100