New Alzheimer’s Drug Offers Improved Tolerance: Zunveyl Set for U.S. Release

Zunveyl (benzgalantamine), a better-tolerated version of the Alzheimer’s drug Razadyne (galantamine), is projected to hit U.S. pharmacy shelves by the end of March 2025. The drug received FDA approval in July 2024 for individuals with mild-to-moderate Alzheimer’s disease.

Temporary Cognitive Support for Alzheimer’s Patients

Although Zunveyl cannot cure, reverse, or halt the progression of Alzheimer’s disease, it may help patients retain memory and thinking skills for a limited time, according to Dr. Elaine Peskind, a psychiatrist at the Veterans Administration in Washington State and former director of the Alzheimer’s Disease Center at the University of Washington.

The medication belongs to a class of drugs called cholinesterase inhibitors, which work by preserving acetylcholine—a brain chemical crucial for thinking and memory. Alzheimer’s disease destroys brain cells that produce acetylcholine, and cholinesterase inhibitors slow this process while increasing the chemical’s availability.

However, the benefits of cholinesterase inhibitors are temporary. “That only helps for a short while—maybe just months—in some patients before acetylcholine is no longer produced,” Dr. Peskind explained.

Why Zunveyl Is Different

Razadyne, the predecessor to Zunveyl, was often abandoned by patients due to gastrointestinal side effects, including nausea, vomiting, and increased bowel movements. Zunveyl addresses these concerns by functioning as a “prodrug” of galantamine, meaning it converts into its active form only after passing through the gastrointestinal tract. This design minimizes the risk of GI-related complications.

The FDA approved Zunveyl based on its chemical similarity to galantamine. In clinical trials, the most frequently reported side effects included nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, dizziness, headaches, and decreased appetite, all occurring in 5% or more of people taking the drug versus those on placebo.

Zunveyl can be prescribed alongside other cholinesterase inhibitors, such as Aricept or Exelon, potentially enhancing cognitive benefits. “Sometimes we can tell that the treatment is working, but sometimes we can’t, because patients can’t tell us,” said Dr. Peskind, stressing that it's worth continuing medication as long as it doesn’t cause noticeable side effects.

Cost and Coverage

According to Laura D’Angelo, chief operating officer of Alpha Cognition—the company behind Zunveyl—the drug is expected to be covered by health insurance providers and Medicare Part D, which handles prescription medications.

For uninsured individuals, the monthly out-of-pocket cost will range from $500 to $700. To alleviate financial strain, Alpha Cognition is introducing a patient assistance program aimed at supporting those in long-term care.

Rebecca Edelmayer, PhD, vice president of scientific engagement at the Alzheimer’s Association, highlighted the significance of improved tolerance. “We know that side effects related to GI issues can be something that is limiting for these types of treatments, so [some] people don’t stay on them long enough to actually get the benefit,” she said.

Edelmayer expressed optimism that Zunveyl could provide Alzheimer’s patients and caregivers with a more sustainable option for managing cognition and functional ability. Both communities are eager for relief as efforts to advance treatments for Alzheimer’s disease continue.