What is Leqembi prescribed for?
Leqembi is prescribed to treat Alzheimer’s disease for people in the early stages of the disease.
What is the name of the drug and what does it do?
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved Leqembi (generic name: lecanemab-irmb), pronounced “leh-kem’-bee,” for the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease.
Leqembi is part of a new category of medications that target the root cause of Alzheimer’s disease, aiming to slow down memory loss and cognitive decline associated with the condition.
How does it work?
Amyloid beta plaques are clumps of protein pieces that build up between nerve cells in the brain.
These plaques are a clear sign of Alzheimer’s disease. The build up of amyloid beta plaques is thought to disrupt communication between brain cells and contribute to the progression of Alzheimer’s disease by causing damage to neurons (nerve cells important for bodily function) and interfering with normal brain function.
What did the research discover?
In a study involving 856 patients with Alzheimer’s disease, Leqembi showed a significant reduction in amyloid beta plaques in the brain.
Patients who received the approved dose of Leqembi experienced a statistically significant decrease in brain amyloid plaque compared to those on a placebo (a “fake” medication that doesn’t do anything for study purposes).
This reduction in plaques is a key marker of Alzheimer’s disease progression.
What are some of the side effects?
The side effects listed are from the product manufacturer. As health scientists, we share this information to keep you informed without causing undue worry. Many side effects diminish over time, and not all patients experience them. If prescribed medication, take it as directed and consult your healthcare professional if you have any concerning side effects.
- Infused related reactions
- Headache
- ARIA (can lead to temporary brain swelling and rarely causes life threatening events)
What are the dosage recommendations and how is it prescribed?
Dosage recommendations for Leqembi (lecanemab-irmb) can vary based on individual factors and should be determined by a healthcare provider. Leqembi is typically administered as an infusion.
Source:
FDA Grants Accelerated Approval for Alzheimer’s Disease Treatment [Internet]. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. 2023 [cited 2024 Jun 28]. Available from: https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/fda-grants-accelerated-approval-alzheimers-disease-treatment
