Approved on July 6, 2023, Leqembi has been shown to slow the progression of Alzheimer’s, offering hope to many affected by the condition. Developed by the Japanese pharmaceutical company Eisai and the U.S. biotechnology firm Biogen, Leqembi (lecanemab) was approved by the FDA in 2023 to treat people with early Alzheimer’s disease—a type of dementia that affects memory, thinking, and behavior.

Leqembi is a monoclonal antibody (mAb), specifically a humanized IgG. This groundbreaking treatment targets and removes amyloid-beta (Aβ) plaques—a sticky protein that accumulates in the brains of individuals with Alzheimer’s—in an effort to slow the rate of cognitive decline in early-stage patients. It has demonstrated a 27% reduction in cognitive decline in clinical trials conducted over 18 months.

While Leqembi offers benefits, it may cause side effects, including swelling of the face, lips, mouth, or tongue; itchy bumps on the skin; difficulty breathing; infusion-related reactions; and headaches. Additionally, with an annual cost of approximately $26,500, its high price and the need for ongoing monitoring may still pose barriers to access—despite Medicare and some private insurers covering the drug for eligible patients.

Although the drug was not designed with any specific race or ethnicity in mind, concerns remain about its effectiveness in Black individuals due to limited representation in clinical trials.

Internationally, Leqembi was approved in South Korea in May 2024 and launched there in November of the same year. While it is not a cure for Alzheimer’s, Leqembi is expected to play an increasingly significant role in aging societies worldwide. Its long-term impact remains to be seen.

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