The FDA has given the green light to lecanemab, a new Alzheimer’s drug developed by Eisai and Biogen that has been shown to slow the progress of the memory-robbing disease.
The approval comes despite concerns among some experts about the drug’s safety and effectiveness.
Lecanemab works by neutralizing “protofibril” amyloid clusters in the brain, and is intended for use in patients with mild or early-stage Alzheimer’s. In clinical trials, the drug reduced cognitive decline by 27%, though it was associated with side effects including brain swelling and bleeding.
The drug will be sold under the brand name Leqembi and will cost $26,500 per year for bi-weekly dosing.
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