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New Alzheimer's Drug Offers Hope, But Access a Concern

  //health-fitness.news-articles.net/content/2026/ .. mer-s-drug-offers-hope-but-access-a-concern.html
  Published in Health and Fitness on Sunday, February 22nd 2026 at 8:50 GMT by Toronto Star
      Locales: Ontario, Quebec, Alberta, CANADA

Toronto, ON - February 22nd, 2026 - A new Alzheimer's treatment, Donanemab, is offering a glimmer of hope in the fight against the debilitating disease, demonstrating a significant capacity to slow cognitive decline in early-stage patients. However, the promise of this breakthrough is tempered by the looming question of accessibility for Canadians, hinging on provincial drug plan coverage and the drug's substantial cost.

Donanemab, developed by Eli Lilly and Co., represents a departure from previous Alzheimer's therapies. Clinical trials have shown it can slow the progression of cognitive decline by up to 35% in individuals with mild cognitive impairment or early-stage Alzheimer's. The drug works by targeting and removing amyloid plaques, the protein clumps that accumulate in the brains of Alzheimer's patients and are believed to contribute to neuronal damage. While previous drugs attempted to address symptoms, Donanemab tackles the underlying pathology, offering a potentially disease-modifying effect.

Dr. Sylvain Chouinard, Director of the Toronto Memory Clinic, hailed the drug as a "significant step forward," emphasizing that it's the first time a measurable impact on the disease's trajectory has been observed. This sentiment is echoed by neurologists across the country, who see Donanemab as a potential game-changer for those in the early stages of Alzheimer's.

However, the high cost of treatment - approximately $3,000 per dose with infusions required every three weeks - presents a major hurdle. The financial burden raises critical questions about equitable access and whether provincial healthcare systems are prepared to absorb the expense. Eli Lilly has expressed a desire to make the drug widely available, but ultimately, the decision lies with individual provinces and territories. The complexities extend beyond simply affordability; provinces are wrestling with developing clear eligibility criteria to ensure the treatment is administered to those most likely to benefit, maximizing its impact and justifying the investment.

Ontario is already conducting a rapid review of Donanemab, according to Ministry of Health spokesperson Alexandra Hilgenhurst, who stated the province will base its decision on a "thorough evaluation of its clinical and economic value." Other provinces are expected to follow suit, initiating similar assessments to determine whether to add Donanemab to their formularies.

Beyond cost and eligibility, the introduction of Donanemab is ushering in an era of "precision medicine" for Alzheimer's, as described by Dr. Isabelle Goulet, a neurologist at Montreal's Jewish General Hospital. This means a shift away from a one-size-fits-all approach and toward tailored treatment plans based on individual patient characteristics. Early diagnosis and, potentially, genetic testing will be crucial to identify those who are most likely to respond to the drug. The focus on early intervention highlights the importance of improved diagnostic capabilities and increased awareness of the early symptoms of Alzheimer's.

The rollout of Donanemab also raises ethical concerns. Ensuring equitable access is paramount, and questions are being raised about potential disparities in care based on geographic location and socioeconomic status. Will patients in rural or underserved communities be able to access the treatment? Will financial constraints prevent some from receiving the care they need? There are also concerns about potential overdiagnosis and unnecessary treatment if the emphasis on early detection is not carefully managed. The potential for widening health inequities demands proactive planning and a commitment to dismantling existing systemic barriers.

The approval of Donanemab by the US Food and Drug Administration in January 2024 (as reported by The Star) provided a crucial signal of the drug's efficacy and safety, paving the way for similar reviews and approvals in other countries. However, even with approval, navigating the complexities of healthcare funding and delivery remains a significant challenge.

As Canadian provinces deliberate, the focus remains on striking a balance between the potential benefits of Donanemab and the practical realities of cost and access. The coming months will be critical in determining whether this promising treatment can reach the patients who need it most and truly make a difference in the fight against Alzheimer's disease.