Health Canada has given the green light to a medication that can delay the advancement of Alzheimer’s disease. Lecanemab, the first drug of its kind authorized in Canada, targets the accumulation of amyloid plaque in the brain, a suspected root cause of Alzheimer’s. This lab-made antibody attaches to amyloid proteins, aiding in their neutralization and elimination from the brain.
Administered during the early stages of dementia when mild cognitive impairment is present, Lecanemab, also known as Leqembi, has been eagerly anticipated by patients and their families, according to Adam Morrison, a representative of the Alzheimer Society of Ontario. Advocates are pushing for swift market availability and public funding to ensure affordability for all eligible patients, as the medication costs approximately $26,000 annually in other nations.
Morrison emphasized that Lecanemab, while not a cure, requires intravenous administration every two weeks and has garnered approval in around 50 countries. Manufacturer Eisai Co., Ltd., disclosed in a recent press release that the drug received U.S. Food and Drug Administration approval in 2023 after successful global Phase 3 clinical trials. Ongoing submission of real-world clinical data is planned to further evaluate its efficacy.
Dr. Andrew Frank, a cognitive neurologist and medical director of the Bruyere Memory Program in Ottawa, highlighted potential side effects of Lecanemab, such as brain swelling or bleeding, which are often detectable on MRI scans without causing noticeable symptoms. While some individuals may experience mild effects like headaches or dizziness, severe outcomes like seizures or stroke-like symptoms are rare. Dr. Frank stressed the importance of making these medications accessible to Canadians, allowing individuals, in consultation with their families and physicians, to assess the risk-benefit ratio regarding the drug’s potential benefits versus the risks of serious side effects.