Eisai Initiated Rolling Supplemental Biologics License Application to the U.S. FDA for LEQEMBI® IQLIK™ (lecanemab-irmb) as a Subcutaneous Starting Dose for the Treatment of Early Alzheimer’s Disease Under Fast Track Status

Core Insights - Eisai and Biogen announced the initiation of the rolling submission of the Supplemental Biologics License Application (sBLA) for LEQEMBI IQLIK, a subcutaneous autoinjector for lecanemab, which would be the first anti-amyloid treatment allowing at-home injection for Alzheimer's disease patients [1][2][28] - LEQEMBI is indicated for treating Alzheimer's disease in patients with Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) or mild dementia, and the sBLA is based on Phase 3 clinical study data [2][6][28] - The FDA granted Fast Track Status to LEQEMBI IQLIK, which could provide patients with a weekly starting dose option, enhancing treatment accessibility and reducing healthcare resource utilization [1][2][3] Company Overview - Eisai serves as the lead for the global development and regulatory submissions of lecanemab, with co-commercialization responsibilities shared with Biogen [4][32] - Lecanemab has been approved in 48 countries and is under regulatory review in 10 additional countries, indicating a strong international presence [3][28] - The collaboration between Eisai and Biogen for Alzheimer's treatments has been ongoing since 2014, focusing on joint development and commercialization [32] Product Details - LEQEMBI targets both amyloid plaque and protofibrils, which are believed to contribute to cognitive decline in Alzheimer's disease [3][5] - The subcutaneous formulation of LEQEMBI is designed to streamline the treatment pathway for Alzheimer's patients, allowing for home administration and potentially reducing the need for intravenous (IV) dosing [2][3] - The current injection time for the LEQEMBI IQLIK autoinjector is approximately 15 seconds, making it a convenient option for patients [2] Clinical Data - The sBLA for LEQEMBI IQLIK is based on evaluations from the Phase 3 Clarity AD open-label extension study, which followed an 18-month core study [2] - The treatment is expected to provide a choice between IV and subcutaneous administration, enhancing patient and caregiver flexibility [2] - The safety profile of LEQEMBI IQLIK for maintenance treatment is reported to be similar to that of the intravenous formulation [26]