Source: Reuters, January 26, 2025
In a groundbreaking development for Alzheimer’s patients and their caregivers, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently approved a monthly maintenance dosing regimen for Leqembi, a drug co-developed by Eisai and Biogen. Previously, patients undergoing treatment with Leqembi were required to receive bi-weekly intravenous infusions over an 18-month course. This new approval provides an alternative that reduces the frequency of hospital visits, making the treatment more convenient and potentially improving adherence.
Leqembi works by targeting and clearing amyloid beta plaques in the brain, a hallmark of Alzheimer’s disease progression. While it offers hope to many, it is not without risks. Patients receiving this treatment must be closely monitored for potential side effects such as brain swelling and bleeding. This approval is part of a broader effort to improve accessibility to effective treatments for Alzheimer’s disease and underscores the ongoing advancements in addressing this complex condition.
