Lilly(US:LLY) Zheng Quan Ri Bao·2025-03-30 15:45Core Viewpoint - Eli Lilly's innovative drug, Donanemab (brand name: Ji Neng Da®), has been officially launched in China for the treatment of early-stage Alzheimer's disease (AD), aiming to slow disease progression and address the growing burden of aging populations [2][4]. Group 1: Drug Launch and Approval - Donanemab was approved by the National Medical Products Administration of China on December 17, 2024, for treating adults with mild cognitive impairment and mild dementia due to AD [2]. - The drug targets the pathological mechanisms of AD, emphasizing the importance of early intervention to alleviate the disease's impact on society and the economy [2][4]. Group 2: Alzheimer's Disease Burden - China currently has nearly 17 million patients with AD and other dementias, with AD patients accounting for approximately 70% of this population [3]. - The early diagnosis rate for AD in China is only 28.6%, leading to most patients being diagnosed at moderate to severe stages, missing the opportunity for early treatment [3]. - The total annual cost of AD patients in China was about 1.1 trillion yuan in 2015, projected to reach 3.2 trillion yuan by 2030 and 11.9 trillion yuan by 2050 [3]. Group 3: Challenges and Solutions in Early Diagnosis - There is a significant need for breakthroughs in diagnostic technology, as current approved methods (PET and lumbar puncture) are expensive and invasive, primarily available in large hospitals [5]. - The industry lacks effective screening and diagnostic models, necessitating the development of economical, efficient, and accurate methods for early intervention in elderly patients [5]. Group 4: Government Initiatives and Collaboration - The National Action Plan for Dementia (2024-2030) emphasizes the need for cognitive function screening and early intervention, involving various healthcare institutions [6]. - Eli Lilly aims to enhance patient accessibility and collaborate with stakeholders, including government and healthcare systems, to reduce barriers to AD diagnosis and treatment [6].