Health Canada has granted approval for a new drug that can delay the progression of Alzheimer’s disease. Lecanemab, the first drug of its kind in Canada, targets the accumulation of amyloid plaque in the brain, a suspected root cause of Alzheimer’s. This lab-created antibody binds to amyloid proteins, aiding in their neutralization and removal from the brain. It is recommended to administer Lecanemab during the early stages of dementia when patients exhibit mild cognitive impairment.
Adam Morrison, representing the Alzheimer Society of Ontario, expressed the relief of patients and their families awaiting the approval of Lecanemab, also known as Leqembi. Advocates are urging swift action from Canada’s Drug Agency and provincial governments to make the drug available and affordable to all eligible patients, as it costs approximately $26,000 US annually in other countries. While Lecanemab is not a cure, it provides treatment through intravenous administration every two weeks.
MRI scans are necessary to monitor potential side effects of Lecanemab, such as brain swelling or bleeding, which are mostly detectable on scans but may not manifest symptoms. Dr. Andrew Frank, a cognitive neurologist and medical director of the Bruyere Memory Program in Ottawa, explained that these side effects could be linked to the clearance of amyloid proteins. Although some participants in clinical trials experienced persistent or serious side effects, the overall benefits of slowing the disease progression outweigh the risks for many patients.
Manufacturer Eisai Co., Ltd., reported that Lecanemab has obtained approval in approximately 50 countries and was sanctioned by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in 2023. The drug underwent global Phase 3 clinical trials, with ongoing data collection to assess its real-world effectiveness.
