Japan's Eisai to boost sales staff to focus on new Alzheimer's drug

Drugmaker to hire 40% more new grads following lecanemab approval in Japan, U.S.

With its hiring binge, Eisai is trying to steal a march on Eli Lilly, which might have a similar treatment approved in the U.S. by the end of the year. (Photo by Nanami Sato)

Nikkei staff writers

September 25, 2023 18:24 JST

TOKYO -- Japanese drugmaker Eisai will boost new graduate hires by 40% in the fiscal year starting in April as it plans to expand its sales force for its breakthrough Alzheimer's treatment, Nikkei has learned.

Japanese regulators on Monday approved the drug, lecanemab, to treat the brain-wasting disease. Developed with American drugmaker Biogen, lecanemab received U.S. approval in July.