Leqembi®∇ (lecanemab) is the First Medicine that Slows Progression of Early Alzheimer's Disease to be Authorized in the European Union

Core Insights - Lecanemab has received Marketing Authorization in the EU, marking it as the first therapy targeting the underlying cause of Alzheimer's disease to be approved in this region [1][2] - The treatment is specifically indicated for adult patients with mild cognitive impairment and mild dementia due to Alzheimer's disease who are ApoE ε4 non-carriers or heterozygotes with confirmed amyloid pathology [1][2] - The approval applies to all 27 EU Member States, as well as Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Norway [1][3] Company Overview - Eisai Co., Ltd. and Biogen Inc. are collaborating on the development and commercialization of lecanemab, with Eisai leading the global development and regulatory submissions [2][8] - The approval of lecanemab in the EU is the thirteenth approval globally, following its benefits to thousands of patients in the U.S., Japan, and other regions [2][6] - Eisai aims to work with national reimbursement authorities and healthcare providers to ensure access to lecanemab for eligible patients as soon as possible [2] Clinical Data - The authorization was based on Phase 3 data from the Clarity AD clinical trial, which involved 1,795 patients with early Alzheimer's disease [4][6] - In the trial, lecanemab reduced clinical decline on the CDR-SB scale by 31% at 18 months compared to placebo [4][6] - The secondary endpoint showed a 33% less decline in daily living activities for patients treated with lecanemab compared to placebo [4][6] Market Context - Alzheimer's disease currently affects an estimated 15.2 million people with mild cognitive impairment and 6.9 million with mild dementia in Europe, indicating a significant unmet need for effective treatments [1][6] - Lecanemab is the only approved Aβ monoclonal antibody that preferentially binds and clears toxic protofibrils, which are key contributors to neuronal injury in Alzheimer's disease [1][4] - The approval of lecanemab represents a landmark advancement in a field that has seen little innovation over the past two decades [2][6]