Drugmakers Report New Alzheimer's Treatments Show Promising Results in Early Diagnosis and Convenience of Administration

Eisai's Lecanemab, approved for Alzheimer's treatment in January, shows enhancements in patient convenience with a new injectable version, while Eli Lilly's drug Donanemab awaits approval, both showing significant cognitive benefits with early treatment in clinical trials.

Eisai's Alzheimer's drug Lecanemab shows promising results in early diagnosis and offers greater convenience with a new injectable version that led to a 14% greater reduction in amyloid compared to IV infusions. This injectable version also resulted in a higher blood concentration of the drug by about 11%, contributing to its effectiveness.
Eisai is planning to request FDA approval for the injectable version of Lecanemab by the end of March 2024, aiming at providing a more accessible and convenient form of administration for patients.
Data from prolonged use of Lecanemab reveals that early treatment, at the first stages of the disease, yields the most significant benefits, with benefits still evident 24 months into treatment, six months beyond the original study.
Eli Lily's experimental drug Donanemab, which is currently awaiting FDA approval, has shown similar potential benefits in early-stage Alzheimer's patients, with 36% of those receiving the drug showing slowing of disease progression.
Both Eisai's Lecanemab and Eli Lilly's Donanemab affirm the benefits of early treatment as it offers an opportunity to clear amyloid build ups and prevent damage to brain neurons, thus potentially delaying and even preventing the progression of Alzheimer's symptoms.