Last week, Eisai and Biogen announced significant results of its Phase 3 clinical trial of the drug lecanamab. Lecanamab is a monoclonal antibody that targets an early stage of the amyloid protein that forms plaques in the brains of people with Alzheimer’s disease. During an 18-month study in which 1795 participants received either drug or placebo every two weeks, those who received the drug showed a 27 % slowing of cognitive decline compared to those who got placebo. Less than 3 % of patients experienced ARIA (brain swelling or microbleeds associated with this type of medication). These results have been submitted to the FDA for expedited review. This is an exciting finding and step in a positive direction for treatments of Alzheimer’s disease and memory loss. However, it is not clear how the FDA will respond. If approved, access to the drug could be limited at first and it is yet to be determined if Medicare will cover the cost of medication and associated treatment procedures. While we still have more bridges to cross and work to be done, this is an important milestone to celebrate.
If you’d like to learn more or take part in one of our clinical studies like the one described above, please Contact Us to speak to one of our clinical staff.
