The European Academy of Neurology (EAN) welcomes the European Medicine Agency’s recent decision to approve lecanemab for the treatment of early Alzheimer’s disease. It provides a much-needed treatment opportunity for this devastating condition while maintaining a careful approach in controlling the risks of potential side effects.
“The approval of lecanemab by the EMA, following its initial rejection, is a significant milestone for treatment of Alzheimer’s disease. Though it is by no means a cure it can bring some real benefit for specific patient groups, which makes this very welcome news,” said Prof. Elena Moro, EAN President.
“The development of disease-modifying therapies, such as lecanemab is a wonderful example of how a better understanding of the pathomechamisms of a disease eventually results in specific targeted therapies for neurological disorders.” added Prof. Gereon Fink, Chair of the EAN Scientific Committee.
The EAN, based on input from its Scientific Panel on Dementia & Cognitive Disorders and Scientific Panel on Neuroimaging, would like to emphasise that appropriately timed and designed biomarker protocols as well as brain MRI protocols will be crucial for the correct selection of eligible patients for lecanemab (brand name Leqembi) and to ensure their safety, which should be reflected in the EMA label.
The EAN calls on all relevant stakeholders within the member states, particularly Health Technology Assessment bodies, to ensure that the measures are taken to facilitate access to all eligible patients without undue delay.
Please visit the EMA website for further information on data and additional safety measures by clicking here.
