- Lately, Biogen Inc BIIB and Eisai Co ESALY announced encouraging data from the most viewed Alzheimer’s therapies in the clinic.
- Lecanemab cleared build-ups of beta-amyloid, sticky protein fragments in the brain that researchers have long suspected contribute to Alzheimer’s.
- Citing Doctors and Neurologists, Wall Street Journal reported that the benefit of the drug to patients may be limited.
- They said the reduction in cognitive decline that patients experienced was modest and might be too small in some patients to justify potentially dangerous side effects.
- Related: These stocks are on the radar after Biogen-Eisai’s surprise win in Alzheimer’s lawsuit.
- Biogen and Eisai said about 12% of patients taking lecanemab developed swelling and bleeding in the brain.
- “We still have the whole cliff to climb, but at least we’re on the first ledge now,” said Robert Howard, professor of geriatric psychiatry at University College London, of the lecanemab results.
- “Scientifically, we see that destroying amyloid plaques might make a small difference,” said Dr. Howard. “But unfortunately it’s not enough to make a significant difference in patients.”
- Lecanemab is one of at least three drugs in development that target beta-amyloid. Roche Holding AG RHHBY said it will report phase 3 results for its drug gantenerumab in the fourth quarter. Eli Lilly and Co LLY said it will release phase 3 results for its drug donanemab next year.
- Biogen and Eisai said they would release full data from the phase 3 trial of lecanemab in November.
- Photo via Wikimedia Commons
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