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Lecanemab, also known by its name Leqembi™, represents a significant milestone in the ongoing battle against Alzheimer’s disease. This innovative drug offers new hope to patients living with this devastating condition and their families. Its recent approval by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) is a welcome development in Alzheimer’s treatment. Lecanemab is the first medication of its kind to be available on the market in the UK.
What is Lecanemab?
Lecanemab is a monoclonal antibody developed to treat Alzheimer’s disease, in the early stages. Alzheimer’s is a neurodegenerative disorder characterised by the accumulation of amyloid-beta plaques in the brain, leading to cognitive decline and memory loss. Lecanemab targets these amyloid plaques, aiming to slow down disease progression.
How Does Lecanemab Work?
It works by binding to soluble amyloid-beta protofibrils, a form of amyloid that is believed to be particularly toxic to neurons. By targeting these protofibrils, Lecanemab facilitates their clearance from the brain, thereby reducing the formation and deposition of amyloid plaques. This mechanism is distinct from other treatments that either do not target amyloid or target different forms of the protein.
The result is a potential slowing of the disease’s progression, particularly in the early stages where intervention can be most effective. It’s important to note that while Lecanemab does not cure Alzheimer’s, it offers a promising avenue for managing the disease and improving the quality of life for patients.
The History of Lecanemab
The journey of Lecanemab began with the growing understanding of Alzheimer’s pathology, particularly the role of amyloid-beta in the disease. The drug was co-developed by pharmaceutical companies Eisai and Biogen. It is part of a broader class of therapies known as disease-modifying treatments, which aim to alter the underlying disease process rather than merely alleviating symptoms.
Lecanemab has been under investigation for several years. Clinical trials began in the early 2010s, with early-phase trials focusing on safety and dosage. The pivotal Phase 3 trial, known as the CLARITY AD study, provided compelling evidence of the drug’s efficacy in slowing cognitive decline in patients with early Alzheimer’s disease.
LECANEMAB Side Effects and Safety
Regarding safety, Lecanemab, like all drugs, has potential side effects. The most common are infusion-related reactions, headaches and a condition known as ARIA (amyloid-related imaging abnormalities), which can manifest as swelling or bleeding in the brain. However, these side effects are typically manageable under medical supervision, and the overall safety profile of Lecanemab is considered acceptable for patients with early Alzheimer’s disease.
LECANEMAB CLINICAL TRIALS
Lecanemab has undergone rigorous testing over the past decade. The CLARITY AD trial, which involved 1,795 participants, demonstrated that the drug could slow the rate of cognitive decline by 27% compared to placebo. This is a significant finding, as it provides real hope for patients in the early stages of Alzheimer’s.
MHRA Approval
In a significant development, Lecanemab (Leqembi™), received approval from the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) in 2024, making it one of the first disease-modifying therapies for Alzheimer’s to be approved in the UK.
How to get Lecanemab in the UK
As with all neurodegenerative conditions, early diagnosis is critical to accessing new treatments. The sooner intervention begins, the better the potential outcome. Leqembi™ will be available through Re:Cognition Health centres starting in October 2024. To learn more, click here.
For further information and to register interest call 0800 802 1030 or email clinician@re-cognitionhealth.com
DISCLAIMER
Re:Cognition Health is unable to provide advice on personal medical matters. Please consult your doctor or other relevant health professional for specific, health-related advice and support.
Anyone who suspects they are having a side effect from this medicine is encouraged to talk to their doctor, pharmacist or nurse and report it directly to the Yellow Card scheme, either through the website (https://yellowcard.mhra.gov.uk/) or by searching the Google Play or Apple App stores for MHRA Yellow Card.
