First administration of Donanemab Alzheimer's treatment in Cyprus

Medical professionals at the Melathron Agoniston EOKA in Cyprus have performed the first administration of a pioneering treatment for Alzheimer's disease. The drug, a monoclonal antibody named Donanemab, was administered last week to a 72-year-old patient diagnosed with the early stages of the condition. This development marks a significant shift in the approach to managing the disease, as the therapy is designed to slow its progression by targeting beta-amyloid plaques, allowing the immune system to clear them.

According to neurologists Dr. Georgios Kaponidis and Dr. Eugenios Kinnis, Alzheimer's disease accounts for 80% of dementia cases. In Cyprus, approximately 16,500 people suffer from the condition, a figure expected to rise alongside increasing life expectancy. The disease impacts between 5% and 10% of individuals over 65, while the prevalence reaches 50% among those over 85. The treatment is specifically intended for patients in early stages or those with mild cognitive impairment, requiring biological confirmation for eligibility.

Because the drug is not yet officially circulating in the Cypriot market, the administration was conducted following specialized examinations and specific approval from local pharmaceutical authorities.