Eli Lilly and Company (India) has announced the launch of Lormalzi in India following marketing authorisation from the Central Drugs Standard Control OrganiSation (CDSCO) for the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease in patients with mild cognitive impairment or mild dementia stages of the condition.

Lormalzi (donanemab, 350 mg/20 mL IV vial) is the first and only once-monthly amyloid plaque-targeting therapy approved in India, supported by clinical evidence demonstrating potential treatment optimisation based on amyloid reduction.

Amyloid plaques are abnormal protein deposits that accumulate in the brain and are considered a hallmark of Alzheimer’s disease. Their excessive buildup is associated with progressive memory loss, cognitive decline and impaired thinking abilities. Lormalzi works by helping the body remove these amyloid plaques, with the aim of slowing disease progression and preserving cognitive function in eligible patients.

Winselow Tucker, President and General Manager of Eli Lilly and Company (India), said, “The launch reflects Lilly’s long-standing commitment to advancing innovation for Alzheimer’s disease patients. Alzheimer’s remains a complex and progressive neurological disorder that places significant emotional, clinical and economic pressure on patients, caregivers and healthcare systems.”

He added that Lilly intends to work closely with healthcare providers, policymakers, advocacy groups and other stakeholders to strengthen patient access, improve disease awareness and address barriers to timely diagnosis and treatment in India.

Rahul Kapur, Senior Director – Medical, Eli Lilly and Company (India), highlighted the importance of early intervention in Alzheimer’s disease management. He said approximately one-third of patients in the early symptomatic stages progress to more advanced disease stages within a year, making early diagnosis and treatment critical for slowing progression and improving long-term outcomes.

Kapur stated that Lormalzi is backed by robust clinical evidence targeting amyloid pathology, one of the key drivers of Alzheimer’s disease, and its introduction marks an important advancement in evidence-based care for patients with early symptomatic Alzheimer’s disease in India.

India is witnessing a rapidly rising Alzheimer’s and dementia burden due to ageing demographics, delayed diagnosis and low public awareness. According to estimates, dementia currently affects nearly 8.8 million people in India, with Alzheimer’s disease accounting for the majority of cases. This figure is projected to increase to nearly 16.9 million by 2036, significantly impacting healthcare systems and economic resources.

The economic burden of dementia in India is already estimated at over INR 28,300 crore annually and is expected to rise further as prevalence increases and life expectancy improves.

Healthcare experts emphasise that early diagnosis and timely treatment can improve symptom management, maintain quality of life and reduce long-term caregiving and healthcare costs. Studies indicate that delaying the onset of Alzheimer’s dementia by even two years could significantly reduce the social and economic burden associated with the disease.

Lilly stated that it continues to advance research and innovation in Alzheimer’s disease globally through therapies, diagnostics and broader healthcare collaborations aimed at improving outcomes for patients living with neurodegenerative disorders.