Eli Lilly introduces amyloid plaque-targeting therapy for treatment of early symptomatic Alzheimer’s Disease in India

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Eli Lilly and Company (India) has announced the launch of Lormalzi^® (donanemab, 350 mg/20 mL IV vial) in India, following marketing authorisation from the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) for the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease with mild cognitive impairment or those in the mild dementia stage of disease.

Lormalzi® is the first and only once‑monthly amyloid plaque‑targeting therapy, with clinical evidence demonstrating the potential for treatment optimisation based on amyloid reduction.

Amyloid is a protein produced naturally in the body that can clump together to create amyloid plaques. The excessive buildup of amyloid plaques in the brain may lead to memory and thinking issues associated with Alzheimer's disease. Lormalzi, a prescription only drug, can help the body remove the excessive buildup of amyloid plaques and slow the decline that may diminish people's cognitive ability.

India is facing a rapidly growing Alzheimer’s disease burden driven by population aging, low awareness, and delayed diagnosis. Dementia currently affects approximately 8.8 million people in India, with Alzheimer’s disease accounting for the majority of cases, and this number is projected to nearly double to ~16.9 million by 2036, posing a significant public health and economic challenge.

Globally, the number of people living with dementia is projected to triple to 152 million by 2050. Dementia already costs the Indian economy over approximately Rs 28,300 crore annually, a burden expected to rise substantially with increasing prevalence and longer life expectancy.