NSW Grandmother Receives Breakthrough Alzheimer’s Drug

Download IPFS

A 61-year-old New South Wales grandmother is among the first Australians to receive Kisunla (Donanemab), a newly approved drug to slow early Alzheimer’s disease progression.

A 61-year-old grandmother from New South Wales, Jenny Quiring, has become one of the first Australians to receive Kisunla, also known as Donanemab, a groundbreaking medication for early Alzheimer’s disease, approved by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) in July 2025. The drug, the first new treatment for Alzheimer’s in 25 years, targets amyloid plaques in the brain, slowing cognitive decline by up to 35% over 18 months, according to clinical trials cited by 9News. Jenny, a former nurse whose career was halted by early Alzheimer’s symptoms, began monthly infusions in July, offering hope for extended quality time with her family.

Dr. Rowena Mobbs, a neurologist at Macquarie University, described Donanemab as a “new age” in Alzheimer’s treatment, stating to 9News that it represents a breakthrough after a century of research. The drug’s ability to reduce amyloid buildup could delay disease progression, though it requires regular positron emission tomography (PET) scans to monitor amyloid levels and potential side effects, such as amyloid-related imaging abnormalities (ARIA), which include brain swelling or microhemorrhages, per Australian Prescriber. Jenny’s husband, James Quiring, expressed cautious optimism to 9News, noting that the treatment offers “the first little bit of hope” for their family, including their seven children and 15 grandchildren.

The treatment’s high cost, estimated at $100,000 for an 18-month course including scans, poses a significant barrier, as reported by 9News. A decision on whether Donanemab will be subsidized under the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) is pending from the Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee (PBAC), expected within weeks. Jenny told 9News that PBS listing is critical, arguing the drug’s value justifies its inclusion. Without subsidies, access could remain limited, particularly for regional patients, given the need for specialized clinics.

The approval of Donanemab follows other anti-amyloid drugs like Lecanemab, which also target early Alzheimer’s but face challenges with accessibility and side effect management, per The Florey Institute. While promising, experts caution that these treatments are not cures and are most effective in mild cognitive impairment or early-stage Alzheimer’s, as noted in the Journal of Neurochemistry. The Quiring family’s experience underscores the urgent need for broader access to such therapies to combat Australia’s growing dementia crisis, with 500,000 affected, according to Austin Health.