As the number of people suffering from Alzheimer's continues to rise, researchers have cast their eyes towards a new experimental drug called lecanemab that could be our best hope yet. In this in-depth feature we ask medical experts just how much promise lies with this treatment and what it can do for patients. From understanding side effects to finding out if lecanemab really is the answer millions are praying for; join us as we explore all angles of promising potential cure.
What is lecanemab?
Lecanemab is an investigational drug for the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease developed jointly by pharmaceutical companies Eisai and Biogen.
Lecanemab is directed against amyloid proteinTrusted Source, Dr. Christopher H. van Dyck, professor of psychiatry, neurology, and neuroscience, director of the Alzheimer’s Disease Research Unit, director of the Yale Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center, and director of the Division of Aging and Geriatric Psychiatry and Yale School of Medicine, explained for Medical News Today.
Dr. van Dyck is also the lead author of a recently published study in the New England Journal of Medicine reporting on Eisai’s Phase 3 confirmatory Clarity AD clinical trial of lecanemab.
“The hope is for it to interfere with Alzheimer’s disease pathogenesis and to slow the clinical progression of the disease,” he told MNT.
What is amyloid protein buildup?
Amyloid protein buildup in the brainTrusted Source is associated with Alzheimer’s disease.
According to Dr. Emer MacSweeney, CEO and medical director at Re:Cognition Health, and principal investigator for the Phase 3 confirmatory Clarity AD clinical trial of lecanemab, beta-amyloid protein that builds up in the brain in people with Alzheimer’s disease is ultimately toxic to certain brain cells, most experts seem to agree.
“Gradual destruction of these brain cells results in the development of the cognitive and other symptoms, which typically develop and progress, relentlessly, in individuals with Alzheimer’s disease, leading to severe dementia,” she explained.
Dr. Karen D. Sullivan, a board-certified neuropsychologist and owner of I CARE FOR YOUR BRAIN in Pinehurst, North Carolina, stated that what is exciting about this class of medications is they are the first disease-modifying drugs we have ever had for Alzheimer’s disease.
How well does lecanemab work?
In late November 2022, Eisai presented the full findings of its Phase 3 Clarity AD clinical trial for lecanemab at the 15th Clinical Trials on Alzheimer’s Disease (CTAD) conference.
During the clinical trial, about 1,800 adults ages 50 to 90 with early Alzheimer’s disease received either lecanemab or a placebo. Participants also received assessments of certain cognitive and functional skills both before the trial began, and 18 months later.
Finally, the participants undertook PET scans to check for the presence of amyloid in the brain.
At the 18-month follow-up, researchers reported people who took lecanemab slowed their cognitive decline by 27% compared to those who took the placebo.
“Results of the Clarity clinical trial also demonstrated lecanemab had beneficial effects on biomarkers for amyloid, tauTrusted Source, and other pathophysiology measures,” Dr. MacSweeney said. “So lecanemab not only directly removed amyloid plaques but also had downstream effects on tau pathology.”
How promising is lecanemab?
Knowing what we do so far about lecanemab, what should be our most realistic expectations on its safety and efficacy?
Dr. Heather Snyder, Alzheimer’s Association vice president of medical and scientific relations, told MNT these are the most encouraging results in clinical trials treating Alzheimer’s to date.
“These results indicate lecanemab can give people more time at or near their full abilities to participate in daily life, remain independent and make future healthcare decisions,” she said.
When will the treatment be available?
Lecanemab may be on track to become available to patients aged 65 years and over in the U.S. as soon as next year, but the experts MNT interviewed cautioned that there is still a very long road ahead in finding the best, most effective treatment for Alzheimer’s disease.
