United States FDA approves Alzheimer's disease drug lecanemab

In late November we brought you news of the promising study data released from the trial results from the Alzheimer’s disease drug lecanemab. The study showed that over a period of 18 months people taking the medication showed a reduction in key markers of Alzheimer's disease on brain scans and also experienced a slower rate of decline in memory and thinking skills and in their ability to carry our daily tasks compared to those not on the medication.

On Friday 6 January 2023, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) granted approval (via their accelerated approval pathway) for the Alzheimer’s disease treatment lecanemab. Whilst this is a key development in the United States of America, there is a long way to go before lecanemab is approved and available on the NHS.