- Eisai Co., Ltd. and Biogen Inc. have launched LEQEMBI, a monoclonal antibody for Alzheimer’s, in China.
- LEQEMBI is the first approved treatment proven to slow the progression of Alzheimer’s by targeting both soluble and insoluble amyloid beta aggregates in the brain.
Japanese pharmaceutical firm Eisai Co., Ltd. and America’s Biogen Inc. have announced the launch of the humanized anti-soluble aggregated amyloid-beta (Aβ) monoclonal antibody, LEQEMBI (generic name: lecanemab), in China.
LEQEMBI was approved in January 2024 for treating mild cognitive impairment (MCI) caused by Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and mild AD dementia. China now joins the United States, Japan, and South Korea to introduce LEQEMBI.
Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive, irreversible brain condition that gradually impairs memory, cognitive abilities, and everyday tasks. Its exact causes remain unclear, but the disease is marked by brain changes in the brain such as the accumulation of amyloid beta plaques (Aβ aggregates) and tau tangles, which lead to the loss of neurons and disrupted neuronal connections. These changes significantly impact memory loss.
According to a 2022 research, LEQEMBI selectively binds to soluble Aβ aggregates, as well as insoluble Aβ aggregates (fibrils), thereby reducing both Aβ protofibrils and Aβ plaques in the brain. LEQEMBI is the world’s first and only approved treatment shown to reduce the rate of disease progression and slow cognitive and functional decline through this mechanism.
Eisai anticipates that by 2024 there will be approximately 17 million individuals in China diagnosed with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) or mild dementia due to Alzheimer’s disease (collectively termed early AD), a number expected to rise with an aging population, alarming the broader healthcare sector.
The Tokyo-based pharma entity is distributing the product in China and conducting information provision activities through specialized medical representatives. They are also developing a unique early AD diagnosis and treatment pathway that combines online and offline services.
Furthermore, Eisai leads the development and regulatory submissions for LEQEMBI globally, with both Eisai and Biogen collaborating on commercialization and promotion. Eisai retains final decision-making authority regarding the product.
Edited by Harshajit Sarmah
