Japan, with its rapidly aging population, is expected to have more than 5 million patients with dementia by 2030. Alzheimer’s is the most common form of dementia, accounting for more than 67% of cases,

Eli Lilly said on Tuesday Japan's health ministry has approved donanemab, its drug for Alzheimer's disease, providing patients with another treatment option after Eisai and Biogen's Leqembi received the nod in September last year.

Eli Lilly's Kisunla (donanemab) has been approved in Japan for early symptomatic Alzheimer's, including mild cognitive impairment and dementia stages. The approval is based on data showing Kisunla slows disease progression and reduces amyloid plaque buildup.