New drug Lecanemab shows promise for Alzheimer’s patients, but Denmark delays approval

There is currently no cure for dementia-related diseases. For many years, doctors have relied on medications that alleviate symptoms for those with dementia. However, a new drug, Lecanemab, has emerged that can, to some extent, slow memory decline in Alzheimer’s patients, the most common form of dementia. Despite its approval in the U.S., Japan, China, South Korea, Hong Kong, and Israel, Lecanemab has not yet been authorized for use in Denmark.

Kristian Steen Frederiksen, a chief physician and clinical research lecturer at the National Knowledge Centre for Dementia, expressed his surprise at the lack of approval. He believes that the drug’s benefits are significant enough to impact dementia patients positively, even acknowledging potential side effects.

The European Medicines Agency (EMA) has recommended denying Lecanemab’s marketing authorization in the EU due to concerns over side effects. However, this decision is not final, as the Japanese company Eisai, which developed the drug, can request a re-evaluation. Frederiksen is skeptical about the chances of approval in the EU but remains hopeful that further research may change the EMA’s perspective.

Lecanemab is administered via injection and works by targeting the Beta-amyloid protein in the brain, which is associated with Alzheimer’s disease progression. Although clinical trials showed that it could reduce cognitive decline by 27%, side effects like brain swelling have raised alarms.

Frederiksen argues that patients and their families should have a say in treatment options, especially considering the progressive nature of Alzheimer’s. Other dementia drugs are in development, including Donanemab, but they might face similar approval challenges. Meanwhile, Lecanemab’s future in countries like Norway and Switzerland remains uncertain.