Health Canada has approved a new drug, Lecanemab, that has demonstrated effectiveness in slowing the progression of Alzheimer’s disease. This medication targets the accumulation of amyloid plaque in the brain, a suspected root cause of Alzheimer’s. Lecanemab is a synthetic antibody designed to bind to amyloid proteins, aiding in their neutralization and removal from the brain.
Patients are advised to start Lecanemab treatment during the early stages of dementia when experiencing mild cognitive impairment. Adam Morrison, representing the Alzheimer Society of Ontario, highlighted the anticipation among patients and families for the approval of Lecanemab, also known as Leqembi, in Canada.
Advocates are pushing for swift market availability and public funding of Lecanemab to ensure affordability for eligible patients. The drug, priced at approximately $26,000 annually in other countries, is not a cure but a treatment requiring intravenous administration every two weeks.
MRI scans are necessary to monitor potential side effects, which may include brain swelling or bleeding. Dr. Andrew Frank, a cognitive neurologist and medical director of the Bruyere Memory Program in Ottawa, explained that these side effects are usually detectable on MRI scans and may not manifest in noticeable symptoms. However, some individuals may experience symptoms such as headaches, dizziness, or more severe conditions like seizures or stroke-like manifestations.
Lecanemab, authorized in around 50 countries, underwent global Phase 3 clinical trials as confirmed by manufacturer Eisai Co., Ltd. The drug’s approval by the U.S. FDA in 2023 further solidified its status. Despite potential side effects, the medication’s benefits in slowing disease progression warrant consideration by patients in consultation with their healthcare providers and families.