TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Taiwan reached a milestone in its battle against dementia on Monday (June 23) as Health Minister Chiu Tai-yuan (邱泰源) announced the arrival of a groundbreaking medication that promises to slow the devastating disease's progression. The newly approved drug, marketed under the brand name Kisunla (欣智樂), finally reached Taiwanese shores last Thursday after experiencing international flight scheduling delays that had anxious patients and their families waiting for weeks. Medical teams at Far Eastern Memorial Hospital (亞東醫院), a leading medical center in New Taipei City, and the specialized Easeful Clinic (一森診所) were preparing to administer the country's first doses to selected patients later this morning.
The breakthrough treatment comes with a formidable price tag, exceeding NT$1 million (approximately US$33,700) for a yearlong regimen, immediately triggering intense discussions about potential coverage under Taiwan's universal National Health Insurance system, which currently provides comprehensive healthcare to virtually all 23 million residents. The National Health Insurance Administration, the government body that manages the island's single-payer healthcare system, has scheduled formal deliberations on the matter before the end of 2025. During his press conference, Health Minister Chiu emphasized the necessity of conducting a rigorous Health Technology Assessment (HTA) to scientifically evaluate Kisunla's clinical efficacy, cost-effectiveness ratio, financial impact on the national budget, and relevant medical ethics considerations before rendering a final coverage decision.
While discussing the new medication, Minister Chiu emphasized that Taiwan's approach to dementia extends far beyond pharmaceutical interventions, highlighting the government's substantial investments in early prevention programs, cognitive screening initiatives, and multidisciplinary treatment protocols developed over the past decade. He specifically noted the crucial role of Taiwan's network of community-based dementia care centers, which provide support services for patients and respite opportunities for family caregivers who shoulder immense burdens. As Taiwan continues advancing these comprehensive initiatives, neurologists, patient advocacy groups, and the approximately 290,000 Taiwanese currently living with dementia anxiously await further developments regarding Kisunla's potential integration into the national health system. ◼
