Patients with early Alzheimer’s disease treated with a medication developed by Eisai and Biogen for up to three years experienced less cognitive decline than what’s expected of untreated patients based on historical data, according to new study results reported Tuesday. The manufacturers said the data support long-term, continuous use of the drug.
The three-year benefit seen in patients provided Leqembi remains modest — a 31% slowing of cognitive decline, slightly more than a 27% slowing previously seen in an 18-month placebo-controlled trial. It’s still unclear if the new data will convince doctors to use Leqembi continuously, or if the treatment’s benefit is clinically meaningful for patients, experts told STAT.
Eisai and Biogen hope the long-term data, presented at the Alzheimer’s Association International Conference, will boost global adoption of Leqembi, which was approved by the Food and Drug Administration last year.
