Important for:

UPSC, Haryana HCS, Punjab PCS

Prelims: Alzheimer’s disease, monoclonal antibodies, FDA approval
Mains: GS Paper 2 & 3 — Public Health, Biotechnology, Healthcare Accessibility

Why in News?

India has approved its first treatment for Alzheimer’s disease with the launch of Donanemab, a breakthrough therapy aimed at slowing cognitive decline in early-stage patients.

The therapy has generated major discussion around:

• Public healthcare access
• High treatment costs
• Neurodegenerative diseases

What is Alzheimer’s Disease?

Alzheimer’s is a:
➤ Progressive neurodegenerative disorder

It affects:

• Memory
• Thinking ability
• Cognitive functions

Mainly seen in:
➤ Elderly population

What is Donanemab?

Donanemab is:

➤ A monoclonal antibody drug

Developed by:
➤ Eli Lilly

Brand Name:
➤ Kisunla

How Does the Therapy Work?

The drug targets:
➤ Amyloid beta plaques in the brain

These plaques are associated with:

• Memory decline
• Cognitive impairment

Goal:
✔ Slow disease progression

Key Features of the Therapy

1. First Approved Alzheimer’s Therapy in India

Major milestone in:
➤ Neurological healthcare

2. Early-Stage Treatment

Most effective for:
➤ Mild Alzheimer’s cases

3. Expensive Treatment

Approximate cost:
➤ ₹11 lakh per dose

This raises concerns over:

• Affordability
• Health inequality

4. Infusion-Based Therapy

Given through:
➤ Monthly intravenous infusion

Challenges

1. High Cost

Treatment remains inaccessible for many patients.

2. Limited Infrastructure

India lacks:

• Advanced dementia care systems
• Specialised neuro-care facilities

3. Diagnostic Challenges

Many Alzheimer’s cases remain:
➤ Undiagnosed

Global Context

The US FDA approved Alzheimer’s therapies like:

• Donanemab
• Lecanemab

These are considered major breakthroughs in neurological medicine.

India-Specific Impact

The therapy may:

✔ Improve dementia care awareness
✔ Boost neurological research
✔ Encourage biotech innovation

But also highlights:
➤ Healthcare affordability issues

Special Note for Aspirants

Students preparing through UPSC Coaching Chandigarh and IAS Coaching Chandigarh should focus on:

• Public health reforms
• Biotechnology in healthcare
• Ageing population issues
• Healthcare accessibility

These topics are highly relevant for GS Paper 2 & Essay preparation.

Key Insight for UPSC

➤ Future healthcare debates will increasingly focus on:

✔ Innovation
✔ Affordability
✔ Accessibility

not just medical breakthroughs alone.

PRELIMS PRACTICE QUESTIONS

Q1. Alzheimer’s disease mainly affects:

A. Kidneys
B. Brain
C. Liver
D. Lungs

✅ Answer: B

Q2. Donanemab is a:

A. Vaccine
B. Antibiotic
C. Monoclonal antibody
D. Steroid

✅ Answer: C

Q3. Alzheimer’s disease is associated with:

A. Bone fractures
B. Memory decline
C. Skin infection
D. Heart blockage

✅ Answer: B

Q4. Donanemab targets:

A. Red blood cells
B. Amyloid plaques
C. Kidneys
D. DNA mutation

✅ Answer: B

Q5. Alzheimer’s mostly affects:

A. Children
B. Teenagers
C. Elderly population
D. Athletes

✅ Answer: C

CBL Mains Practice Question

“India’s first Alzheimer’s therapy marks a major medical breakthrough, but affordability and healthcare accessibility remain key concerns.”
Discuss.

FAQs

1. What is Alzheimer’s disease?

A neurodegenerative disease affecting memory and thinking ability.

2. What is Donanemab?

A monoclonal antibody therapy for Alzheimer’s disease.

3. Who developed Donanemab?

Eli Lilly.

4. Why is the therapy important?

It can slow cognitive decline in early Alzheimer’s patients.

5. Which GS papers cover this topic?

GS2 and GS3.