Injected version of Eisai/Biogen Alzheimer's drug works as well as IV Leqembi | 26 October, 2023

An injected version of Eisai (4523.T) and Biogen's (BIIB.O) Alzheimer's drug Leqembi works as well as the current intravenous version at removing toxic brain plaques, according to an analysis presented by Eisai on Wednesday.

A weekly shot form of Leqembi, given as two consecutive injections, could simplify use of the groundbreaking Alzheimer's treatment, potentially allowing patients to receive the drug at home instead of traveling to an infusion center twice a month.

The Japanese drugmaker's review compared data for 72 patients with early Alzheimer's given Leqembi by subcutaneous injection to prior pivotal trial results from 898 patients who received the drug by infusion.

The intravenous (IV) form of Leqembi won U.S. approval based on that larger 18-month study showing the drug, which works by removing sticky clumps of beta amyloid from the brain, slowed cognitive decline by 27% for people with early Alzheimer's disease.

The latest data, presented at the Clinical Trials on Alzheimer's Disease meeting in Boston, showed that after six months of treatment, the shot form of Leqembi removed 14% more amyloid than the approved IV formulation.

Blood concentration levels of the drug were 11% higher with subcutaneous Leqembi than the IV version.

“The idea of having a much more accessible self-administered, subcutaneous treatment is very important for this class of drugs. The data was very encouraging,” said Dr. Eric Reiman, executive director of the Banner Alzheimer's Institute, who was not affiliated with the clinical trial.

(Source: Reuters)