TOKYO, Aug 1 (Reuters) - A Japanese health ministry

panel on Thursday recommended approval for Eli Lilly's ( LLY )

dementia treatment donanemab.

Formal approval is expected shortly after the panel's vote,

which would make the drug Japan's second approved treatment for

Alzheimer's disease after Leqembi, developed by Eisai ( ESALF )

and Biogen.

Donanemab, sold under the brand name Kisunla, was approved

by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration early last month.