India has entered a new chapter in neurological healthcare with the launch of Lormalzi, the country’s first approved amyloid-targeting therapy for Alzheimer’s disease. Developed by Eli Lilly, the drug — scientifically known as donanemab — offers new hope for patients in the early stages of Alzheimer’s by aiming to slow the progression of the disease rather than merely manage symptoms.
Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form of dementia, a progressive neurological condition that affects memory, thinking, behaviour and daily functioning. Traditionally, treatments available in India have focused largely on symptomatic relief, helping patients temporarily manage memory loss or behavioural changes. Lormalzi, however, belongs to a newer generation of therapies designed to target amyloid plaques — abnormal protein deposits in the brain that are considered one of the hallmarks of Alzheimer’s disease.
The drug has been approved in India for patients with early symptomatic Alzheimer’s disease, specifically those with mild cognitive impairment or mild dementia caused by Alzheimer’s and confirmed amyloid pathology. Doctors stress that the treatment is not suitable for advanced-stage dementia or normal age-related forgetfulness. Patients typically require specialised neurological evaluations, MRI scans and biomarker testing before beginning therapy.
Lormalzi is administered through a once-monthly intravenous infusion and has been priced at approximately ₹91,688 per 350 mg vial in India. Treatment generally continues for around 18 months. While the drug represents a scientific breakthrough, experts note that the high cost could make access difficult for many patients.
Neurologists describe the launch as significant because it reflects a shift toward “disease-modifying” Alzheimer’s therapies. Clinical studies suggest donanemab may help slow cognitive and functional decline in carefully selected patients when introduced early. However, the treatment is not considered a cure. It does not reverse existing brain damage or restore lost memories completely.
The therapy has also generated debate within the scientific community. Some researchers have questioned whether reducing amyloid plaques directly translates into substantial long-term cognitive improvement. Others point to concerns about side effects such as brain swelling and small brain bleeds, known as ARIA (Amyloid-Related Imaging Abnormalities), which require careful MRI monitoring during treatment.
Still, many experts believe the arrival of donanemab in India is an important step forward, especially as the country faces a rapidly growing dementia burden due to an ageing population. The launch is expected to encourage earlier diagnosis, improved neurological screening and greater awareness around Alzheimer’s disease — a condition often overlooked or mistaken as normal ageing in India.