First Choice Neurology, the largest neurology group in the United States, is set to make medical history this week as Dr. Jennifer Buczyner and Dr. Jeff Gelblum are among the first physicians in the country to administer the newly FDA-approved drug Kisunla (donanemab) to patients. This groundbreaking development marks a significant milestone in neurological care, offering new hope to patients battling various neurological conditions.
Kisunla FDA Approved for Alzheimer’sKisunla, by Eli Lilly represents a promising advancement in neurology, specifically targeting Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. Kisunla is used to treat adults with early symptomatic Alzheimer’s disease (AD), which includes mild cognitive impairment (MCI) or mild dementia stage of disease.
Dr. Jeff Gelblum, Neurologist in Aventura, Florida, has significant experience using anti-amyloid infusion therapy for his patients with mild cognitive impairment and mild Alzheimer’s disease. He has many patients taking Leqembi with which was FDA approved in July 2023.
He is also looking forward to using Kisunla in his patients for the same conditions and differentiates the two products, accordingly: “The two drugs target the same endpoint, reduction of brain amyloid plaque which is a marker of Alzheimer’s disease. Leqembi is given twice a month for a full 18 months. Kisunla is once a month and may be able to be stopped as soon as six months, based upon clearance of amyloid plaque on a follow-up brain PET scan. Leqembi has a lower incidence of side effects of brain swelling and bleeding.”
Gelblum notes, “that a patient who is unable to go for twice monthly infusions and eager to possibly conclude treatment in as soon as six months, who can also assume the greater safety risk, would be a good candidate for the new treatment.”
Dr. Jennifer Buczyner, Neurologist in Jupiter, Florida said, “The approval of Kisunla offers another opportunity for patients with mild cognitive impairment or mild dementia and brings those with mild cognitive impairment to early medical attention. In studies, Kisunla slowed cognitive and functional decline by up to 35 percent compared to placebo at 18 months and reduced patients’ risk of progressing to the next clinical stage of disease by up to 39 percent. We at First Choice Neurology are very excited to offer anti-amyloid therapies to our South Florida communities.”
First Choice Neurology, with over 60 Care Centers across multiple Florida counties and services at more than 45 major hospitals, has long been a leader in comprehensive neurological care. The group specializes in treating a diverse range of neurological conditions including strokes, Alzheimer’s disease, traumatic brain injuries, neuromuscular disorders, epilepsy, migraines, sleep disorders, and more.
The introduction of Kisunla underscores First Choice Neurology’s commitment to pioneering treatments that transform the landscape of neurological care. As the first physicians in the United States to administer Kisunla, Dr. Gelblum and Dr. Buczyner exemplify the group’s leadership in bringing cutting-edge therapies to patients.