The Globe and Mail reports in its Friday edition that Canada's drug agency is suggesting that a second disease-modifying drug for treating people with early Alzheimer's should be publicly covered, but with certain conditions. The Globe's Kristy Kirkup writes that the agency, which offers non-binding recommendations for drug reimbursement through its expert committee, released draft recommendations on the medication donanemab on Thursday. In a report, the Canadian Drug Expert Committee found donanemab provided clinical benefits by "slowing cognitive and functional decline." Alzheimer's is the most common cause of dementia. As of January, 2025, it was estimated 771,939 people in Canada live with dementia. The drug expert committee's recommendation, supported by 11 of its members while three voted against it, sets the stage for possible public funding of the medication, which is not currently covered by provincial or territorial drug plans. The medication carries a costly sticker price: $47,250 annually, per patient. Eli Lilly Canada is the company that makes donanemab. President Mathilde Merlet applauded the committee's positive recommendation. She says the company has pursued an Alzheimer's treatment for more than 30 years.