Japanese pharma giant Eisai has introduced Leqembi in India, marking the nation's first disease-modifying therapy for early-stage Alzheimer's disease.

Key Takeaways

  • Eisai launches Leqembi (lecanemab) in India after CDSCO nod.
  • Targets Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) and mild dementia.
  • First disease-modifying therapy (DMT) available in the country.
  • Works by clearing amyloid-beta plaques in the brain.

In a significant medical breakthrough, Japanese pharmaceutical company Eisai announced on Monday the launch of Leqembi (lecanemab) in India. This follows the procurement of marketing authorization from the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO), paving the way for advanced Alzheimer's care in the country.

Leqembi is specifically indicated for patients experiencing Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) and mild dementia resulting from early-stage Alzheimer's disease. This marks a paradigm shift in Indian neurology, as it is the first disease-modifying therapy (DMT) introduced to address the underlying pathology of the condition rather than just managing symptoms.

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Why This Matters

BozokMedia analysis shows that India is facing a looming dementia crisis. According to the AIIMS-USC LASI study, approximately 8.8 million Indians aged 60 and above were living with dementia in 2023. With the prevalence expected to double by 2036 due to an aging population, the introduction of therapies like Leqembi is critical to managing the long-term socio-economic burden of neurodegenerative diseases.

Identifying the right patient at the right time will be critical to maximising outcomes.

The mechanism of Leqembi involves a humanised monoclonal antibody that selectively targets aggregated amyloid-beta. By facilitating the clearance of these abnormal protein deposits, the drug helps reduce brain inflammation and prevents further damage to nerve cells, which are the primary drivers of memory loss.

Historical Background

For years, Alzheimer's treatment in India and globally has been limited to symptomatic relief. The scientific community has long sought ways to target the amyloid hypothesis—the idea that amyloid-beta plaques are the root cause of the disease. Leqembi represents the culmination of decades of research into biological interventions that target the disease's progression at a molecular level.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How is the eligibility for Leqembi determined?
Patients must have confirmed amyloid pathology through cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) or serum beta-amyloid biomarkers before starting treatment.

2. What stage of Alzheimer's can this treat?
It is specifically approved for early-stage Alzheimer's, including those with Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI).

Did You Know?: Amyloid-beta plaques can begin forming in the brain up to 20 years before the first clinical symptoms of Alzheimer's appear.