Eisai's Alzheimer's drug takes step toward widespread use

Limited testing capacity could prove challenge in Japan

Lecanemab, branded as Leqembi, is expected to slow the progress of Alzheimer's disease by about seven months. (Photo courtesy of Eisai)

NORIYUKI TAKADA and TAITO KUROSE, Nikkei staff writers

July 8, 2023 03:07 JST

TOKYO -- With the U.S. regulators formally approving Alzheimer's disease treatment lecanemab, Japanese pharmaceutical company Eisai and American partner Biogen now turn to the challenge of taking the treatment mainstream.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration's decision on Thursday means "we're able to take a new step toward a full-fledged treatment for Alzheimer's disease," Eisai CEO Haruo Naito told reporters on Friday.