Lecanemab, sold under the brand name Leqembi, is a monoclonal antibody medication used for the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease.
It is is an amyloid beta-directed antibody.
It is given via intravenous infusion.
Lecanemab is indicated for the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease.
Adverse effects
Lecanemab has been associated with both cerebral edema) and microhaemorrhages, or small haemorrhages, and hemosiderosis
In the lecanemab group, the incidence of cerebral edema was 12.6% and the incidence of hemorrhage was 17.3%.
Mild to moderate infusion-related reactions can also occur.
Lecanemab is a monoclonal antibody consisting of the humanized version of a mouse antibody, mAb158, that recognizes protofibrils and prevents amyloid beta deposition in animal models of Alzheimer’s disease.
The efficacy of lecanemab was evaluated in a double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group, dose-finding study of 856 participants with Alzheimer’s disease.
Treatment was initiated in participants whose disease was in the stage of mild cognitive impairment or mild dementia and who had confirmed presence of amyloid beta pathology.
Participants receiving the treatment showed significant dose- and time-dependent reduction of amyloid beta plaque: Those receiving the approved dose of lecanemab, 10 milligrams/kilogram every two weeks, had a statistically significant reduction in brain amyloid plaque from baseline to week 79 compared with those receiving a placebo, who had no reduction of amyloid beta plaque.
Lecanemab study met its primary endpoint, showing a highly statistically significant 27% less decline on the Clinical Dementia Rating-Sum of Boxes at 18 months; supported by a significant 26% difference on the AD Assessment Scale–Cognitive Subscale with 14 tasks (ADAS-Cog 14).
The drug also affected function, with a 37% decrease compared to placebo on the AD Cooperative Study–Activities of Daily Living Scale for Mild Cognitive Impairment.
Results signal delays in disease progression by about 5 months, giving patients more time to live independently and participate in hobbies and interests.