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FDA Approves LEQEMBI® IQLIK� (lecanemab-irmb) Subcutaneous Injection for Maintenance Dosing for the Treatment of Early Alzheimer's Disease

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Biogen (NASDAQ:BIIB) and Eisai announced FDA approval of LEQEMBI IQLIK, a subcutaneous autoinjector for maintenance treatment of early Alzheimer's disease. The device delivers a 360 mg weekly injection in approximately 15 seconds, offering an at-home alternative after 18 months of initial IV treatment.

Clinical trials demonstrated that transitioning to the weekly autoinjector maintained comparable benefits to IV dosing, with improved safety profile showing less than 1% systemic reactions compared to 26% with IV infusions. The device will launch on October 6, 2025, in the U.S., supported by patient assistance programs and dedicated navigators to help with treatment access.

Long-term data showed that at 48 months, LEQEMBI reduced cognitive decline by 1.75-2.17 points on the CDR-SB scale compared to expected natural disease progression.

Biogen (NASDAQ:BIIB) ed Eisai hanno annunciato l'approvazione FDA di LEQEMBI IQLIK, un autoiniettore sottocutaneo per il trattamento di mantenimento nelle fasi iniziali del morbo di Alzheimer. Il dispositivo somministra una dose settimanale di 360 mg in circa 15 secondi, offrendo un'alternativa domiciliare dopo 18 mesi di terapia iniziale endovenosa.

Gli studi clinici hanno mostrato che il passaggio all'autoiniettore settimanale mantiene benefici confrontabili con la somministrazione EV, con un profilo di sicurezza migliorato: reazioni sistemiche inferiori all'1% rispetto al 26% con le infusioni EV. Il dispositivo sarà lanciato il 6 ottobre 2025 negli Stati Uniti, supportato da programmi di assistenza ai pazienti e navigator dedicati per agevolare l'accesso al trattamento.

I dati a lungo termine hanno evidenziato che a 48 mesi LEQEMBI ha ridotto il declino cognitivo di 1,75-2,17 punti sulla scala CDR-SB rispetto alla progressione naturale attesa della malattia.

Biogen (NASDAQ:BIIB) y Eisai anunciaron la aprobación por la FDA de LEQEMBI IQLIK, un autoinyector subcutáneo para el tratamiento de mantenimiento en las etapas tempranas del Alzheimer. El dispositivo administra una inyección semanal de 360 mg en aproximadamente 15 segundos, ofreciendo una alternativa domiciliaria tras 18 meses de tratamiento inicial intravenoso.

Los ensayos clínicos demostraron que la transición al autoinyector semanal mantuvo beneficios comparables a la dosificación IV, con un perfil de seguridad mejorado: reacciones sistémicas inferiores al 1% frente al 26% con infusiones IV. El dispositivo se lanzará el 6 de octubre de 2025 en EE. UU., respaldado por programas de ayuda para pacientes y navegadores dedicados para facilitar el acceso al tratamiento.

Los datos a largo plazo mostraron que a 48 meses LEQEMBI redujo el deterioro cognitivo en 1,75-2,17 puntos en la escala CDR-SB en comparación con la progresión natural esperada de la enfermedad.

Biogen (NASDAQ:BIIB)와 Eisai� 초기 알츠하이머병 유지 치료� 피하 자동주사기인 LEQEMBI IQLIK� FDA 승인� 발표했습니다. � 기기� � 15� 내에 주당 360mg� 투여하며, 초기 18개월� 정맥주사 치료 � 가정에� 사용� � 있는 대안을 제공합니�.

임상 시험 결과, 주간 자동주사기로 전환해도 정맥주사와 유사� 효과� 유지했으�, 안전성은 개선되어 정맥주사 � 26%였� 것과 비교� 전신 반응� 1% 미만으로 나타났습니다. � 기기� 2025� 10� 6� 미국에서 출시되며, 치료 접근� 돕기 위한 환자 지� 프로그램� 전담 네비게이터가 제공됩니�.

장기 데이터에서는 48갵ӛ 시점� LEQEMBI가 CDR-SB 척도에서 자연 경과 대� 1.75�2.17점의 인지 저� 감소� 보였습니�.

Biogen (NASDAQ:BIIB) et Eisai ont annoncé l'approbation par la FDA de LEQEMBI IQLIK, un auto‑injecteur sous‑cutané pour le traitement d'entretien de la maladie d'Alzheimer au stade précoce. L'appareil délivre une injection hebdomadaire de 360 mg en environ 15 secondes, offrant une alternative à domicile après 18 mois de traitement IV initial.

Les essais cliniques ont démontré que la transition vers l'auto‑injecteur hebdomadaire conservait des bénéfices comparables à la perfusion IV, avec un profil de sécurité amélioré : moins de 1% de réactions systémiques contre 26% avec les perfusions IV. Le dispositif sera lancé le 6 octobre 2025 aux États‑Unis, soutenu par des programmes d'aide aux patients et des référents dédiés pour faciliter l'accès au traitement.

Les données à long terme ont montré qu'à 48 mois, LEQEMBI réduisait le déclin cognitif de 1,75 à 2,17 points sur l'échelle CDR‑SB par rapport à l'évolution naturelle attendue de la maladie.

Biogen (NASDAQ:BIIB) und Eisai haben die FDA-Zulassung für LEQEMBI IQLIK bekanntgegeben, einen subkutanen Auto-Injektor zur Erhaltstherapie bei frühem Alzheimer. Das Gerät verabreicht wöchentlich 360 mg in etwa 15 Sekunden und bietet nach 18 Monaten initialer IV-Therapie eine Anwendung zu Hause.

Klinische Studien zeigten, dass der Wechsel auf den wöchentlichen Auto-Injektor vergleichbare Vorteile wie die IV-Gabe aufrechterhält, mit verbessertem Sicherheitsprofil: systemische Reaktionen unter 1% im Vergleich zu 26% bei IV-Infusionen. Der Start in den USA ist für den 6. Oktober 2025 geplant, unterstützt durch Patientenhilfeprogramme und spezialisierte Navigatoren zur Erleichterung des Zugangs zur Behandlung.

Langzeitdaten zeigten, dass LEQEMBI nach 48 Monaten den kognitiven Abbau um 1,75�2,17 Punkte auf der CDR-SB-Skala im Vergleich zum erwarteten natürlichen Krankheitsverlauf verringerte.

Positive
  • First and only at-home injection option for Alzheimer's disease maintenance treatment
  • Significantly reduced systemic reactions (< 1%) compared to IV infusions (26%)
  • Demonstrated sustained efficacy in reducing cognitive decline over 48 months
  • Comprehensive patient support programs and financial assistance available
  • More convenient administration in 15 seconds versus IV infusion
Negative
  • Requires 18 months of IV treatment before switching to subcutaneous option
  • 11% of patients experienced mild-to-moderate injection site reactions
  • Risk of serious ARIA (Amyloid-Related Imaging Abnormalities) side effects
  • Higher risk of complications for ApoE ε4 homozygote patients (~15% of AD patients)
  • Potential fatal intracerebral hemorrhages reported in some cases

Insights

FDA approval of LEQEMBI IQLIK subcutaneous injector will increase treatment accessibility and adherence for Alzheimer's patients after 18 months of IV therapy.

The FDA approval of LEQEMBI IQLIK represents a significant advancement in Alzheimer's disease management. This subcutaneous autoinjector delivers the same medication (lecanemab-irmb) but in a format that can be administered at home in just 15 seconds, compared to the current IV infusion method that requires clinical visits.

The critical innovation here is the transition pathway: after patients complete 18 months of standard LEQEMBI IV treatment (10 mg/kg biweekly), they can switch to either monthly IV infusions or this new weekly subcutaneous injection. Clinical data demonstrates that the 360mg weekly subcutaneous dose maintains comparable clinical and biomarker benefits to continued IV dosing.

Most notable in the safety profile is the dramatic reduction in systemic reactions - less than 1% with subcutaneous administration versus approximately 26% with IV infusions. The 49 patients who received the 360mg weekly subcutaneous maintenance dose experienced no local or systemic injection-related adverse events, though across all subcutaneous doses about 11% experienced mild-to-moderate injection site reactions.

The maintenance dosing approach addresses a fundamental challenge with Alzheimer's treatment: disease biomarkers reaccumulate and cognitive decline resumes at placebo rates when therapy stops. The 48-month data presented shows impressive results - lecanemab demonstrated reduction in cognitive decline measured by CDR-SB of -1.75 points compared to expected decline observed in ADNI cohort and -2.17 points compared to BioFINDER cohort.

This development will significantly reduce healthcare resource utilization by freeing up infusion capacity for new patients while enabling continued treatment for maintenance patients without the burden of regular infusion center visits - a true win-win for the healthcare system and patients alike.

LEQEMBI IQLIK is the first and only anti-amyloid treatment to offer an at-home injection to help patients and care partners continue to treat this progressive, relentless disease
after initial treatment of 18 months

LEQEMBI IQLIK will be launched on October 6, 2025, in the U.S.

TOKYO and CAMBRIDGE, Mass., Aug. 29, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Eisai Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Tokyo, CEO: Haruo Naito, "Eisai") and Biogen Inc. (Nasdaq: BIIB, Headquarters: Cambridge, Massachusetts, CEO: Christopher A. Viehbacher, "Biogen") announced today that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved the Biologics License Application (BLA) for once weekly lecanemab-irmb subcutaneous injection (U.S. brand name: LEQEMBI®IQLIK�, pronounced "I Click") for maintenance dosing. LEQEMBI IQLIK is a subcutaneous autoinjector (SC-AI) developed by Eisai, containing 360 mg/1.8 mL (200 mg/mL) that can be administered in approximately 15 seconds. LEQEMBI IQLIK autoinjector is indicated for maintenance dosing to treat Alzheimer's disease (AD) in patients with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) or mild dementia stage of disease (collectively referred to as early AD) in the U.S. After 18 months of LEQEMBI (lecanemab-irmb) intravenous (IV) treatment at 10 mg/kg every two weeks, patients may either continue IV infusions at 10 mg/kg once every four weeks or start the new weekly 360 mg subcutaneous injection using the LEQEMBI IQLIK autoinjector.

Clinical Trials Supporting Subcutaneous Maintenance Dosing Approval

  • The BLA is based on LEQEMBI subcutaneous (SC) sub-studies of the Phase 3 Clarity AD open-label extension (OLE) trial in individuals with early AD, which evaluated a range of subcutaneous doses. Data shows that transitioning to the weekly LEQEMBI IQLIK autoinjector after 18 months of the initiation dose (10 mg/kg IV every two weeks) maintains clinical and biomarker benefits comparable to continued IV dosing.
  • The safety of LEQEMBI IQLIK autoinjector was studied in over 600 patients at a range of doses as part of the Clarity AD OLE.
  • 49 patients received a weekly 360 mg subcutaneous maintenance dose after at least 18 months of 10 mg/kg IV every two weeks. Importantly, none of these patients experienced any local or systemic injection-related adverse events (AEs).
  • Across all subcutaneous doses, the safety profile was similar to that of the IV maintenance treatment with one key difference: systemic reactions were much less common with subcutaneous dosing—less than 1% compared to approximately 26% with IV infusions. Approximately 11% of patients experienced mild-to-moderate local reactions (such as redness, swelling or itching at the injection site), which did not interfere with continued administration, and less than 1% had mild systemic symptoms such as headache, fever or fatigue.
  • ARIA rates in patients who received a weekly 360 mg subcutaneous maintenance dose were similar to ARIA rates reported in patients who continued with the IV dose after 18 months and are similar to the background rates of ARIA in patients without treatment. ARIA is usually asymptomatic, although serious and life-threatening events can occur. ARIA can be fatal. Most ARIA with LEQEMBI occurs within the first 6 months of IV initiation treatment.

Importance of Ongoing Treatment

AD is a progressive, relentless disease with amyloid beta (Aβ) and tau as hallmarks, caused by a continuous underlying neurotoxic process that begins before amyloid plaque removal and continues afterward.1,2,3 Only LEQEMBI fights AD in two ways - targeting both amyloid plaque and protofibrils*, which can impact tau downstream. Due to the reaccumulation of AD biomarkers and return to placebo rate of decline after therapy is stopped,4, 5 maintenance treatment with once-weekly SC injection or once every four weeks of IV therapy offers patients options to continue slowing the disease progression and prolong the benefit of therapy, with the goal of helping patients maintain who they are for longer.

  • In the Clarity AD core study, the mean change from baseline between the lecanemab IV once every 2 weeks treated group and the placebo group after 18 months was -0.45 (P=0.00005) on the primary endpoint of CDR-SB global cognitive and functional scale.
  • To provide context, a change from 0.5 to 1 on the Clinical Dementia Rating (CDR) score domains of Memory, Community Affairs and Home/Hobbies reflects a shift from mild impairment to loss of independence. This can affect a person's ability to be left alone safely, recall recent events, participate in daily activities, manage household tasks, and engage in hobbies and intellectual interests.6, 7
  • At 48 months of treatment through the Clarity AD core study and its OLE, data showed lecanemab demonstrated a reduction in cognitive decline measured by CDR-SB of -1.75 points compared to the expected decline observed in the Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative (ADNI)*2 cohort.
  • Similarly, when benchmarked against the expected decline in the BioFINDER*3 cohort, lecanemab showed a reduction of -2.17 points measured by CDR-SB at the four-year mark.

Importance of SC Maintenance Option
To confirm the safe and effective use of LEQEMBI IQLIK in the expected use environments, additional studies were conducted, including a human factors (HF) study*4 and a tolerability assessment of the device.

From the perspective of patients and care partners, benefits included the ability to use the device at home, shortening treatment time and to continue treatment without having to worry about visiting an infusion center. Healthcare providers reported that the device has the potential to provide a new option for patients who are responding well to LEQEMBI and should continue treatment. The SC formulation also has the potential to reduce healthcare resources associated with IV maintenance dosing, such as preparation for infusion and nurse monitoring, while increasing infusion capacity for new eligible patients to begin initiation treatment and streamlining the overall AD treatment pathway.

Patient Support Programs
Eisai is committed to ensuring that appropriate patients have access to LEQEMBI. In the U.S. Eisai offers several support programs to help patients and care partners. Dedicated Patient Navigators will work directly with patients and families to navigate treatment and coverage for eligible and appropriate patients and to help with what to expect regarding insurance coverage, co-pay and patient access programs. Injection support will also be available for LEQEMBI IQLIK patients. To learn more visit, call 1-833-4-LEQEMBI (1-833-453-7362), Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Eastern Time.

In addition, to support access to LEQEMBI for certain patients who need help paying for their medicines, Eisai's Patient Assistance Program (PAP) will provide LEQEMBI and LEQEMBI IQLIK at no cost, for eligible uninsured and underinsured patients, including Medicare beneficiaries, who meet financial need and other program criteria.

LEQEMBI IQLIK will be launched on October 6, 2025 in the U.S. Click to learn about how LEQEMBI IQLIK offers patient-centric early Alzheimer's care and our U.S. Pricing Approach.

Eisai serves as the lead for lecanemab's development and regulatory submissions globally with Eisai and Biogen co-commercializing and co-promoting the product and Eisai having final decision-making authority.

* Protofibrils are thought to be the most toxic Aβ species that contribute to brain damage in AD and play a major role in the cognitive decline of this progressive and devastating disease. Protofibrils can cause neuronal and synaptic damage in the brain, which can subsequently adversely affect cognitive function through multiple mechanisms.8 The mechanism by which this occurs has been reported not only by increasing the formation of insoluble Aβ plaques, but also by directly damaging signaling between neurons and other cells. It is believed that reducing protofibrils may reduce neuronal damage and cognitive impairment, potentially preventing the progression of AD.9

*2 ADNI is a clinical research project launched in 2005 to develop methods to predict the onset and progression of AD and to confirm the effectiveness of treatments. The project involves a multi-year longitudinal observation targeting healthy elderly individuals as well as patients with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and early stages of AD.

*3 BioFINDER subjects are similar to Clarity AD and ADNI subjects, except all BioFINDER subjects are in the MCI stage and no mild AD subjects are included, and their baseline CDR-SB is lower. BioFINDER is a large-scale, long-term prospective study led by Lund University in Sweden, aiming to establish early diagnosis and elucidate pathophysiology of neurodegenerative diseases. In addition to AD, the study also focuses on conditions including Parkinson's Disease. Individuals participating in the study undergo regular clinical assessments, cognitive function tests, brain imaging (MRI, Aβ PET, Tau PET), and collection of biomarkers from blood and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF).

*4Human factors study is a practical scientific discipline that comprehensively analyzes human cognitive characteristics, physical and mental traits, as well as the environment, organizations, systems, and institutions that influence them. It aims to elucidate the mechanisms of human error occurrence and to build safe, comfortable, and efficient systems and work environments. This human factors study was conducted to verify that LEQEMBI IQLIK can be used safely and effectively in the expected use environment.

INDICATION

LEQEMBI® is indicated for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Treatment with LEQEMBI should be initiated in patients with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) or mild dementia stage of disease, the population in which treatment was initiated in clinical trials.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

WARNING: AMYLOID-RELATED IMAGING ABNORMALITIES (ARIA)
  • Monoclonal antibodies directed against aggregated forms of beta amyloid, including LEQEMBI, can cause ARIA, characterized as ARIA with edema (ARIA-E) and ARIA with hemosiderin deposition (ARIA-H). Incidence and timing of ARIA vary among treatments. ARIA usually occurs early in treatment and is usually asymptomatic, although serious and life-threatening events, including seizure and status epilepticus, can occur. ARIA can be fatal. Serious intracerebral hemorrhages (ICH) >1 cm, some of which have been fatal, have been observed with this class of medications. Because ARIA-E can cause focal neurologic deficits that can mimic an ischemic stroke, consider whether such symptoms could be due to ARIA-E before giving thrombolytic therapy to a patient being treated with LEQEMBI.
    • Apolipoprotein E ε4 (ApoE ε4) Homozygotes: Patients who are ApoE ε4 homozygotes (~15% of patients with AD) treated with this class of medications have a higher incidence of ARIA, including symptomatic, serious, and severe radiographic ARIA, compared to heterozygotes and noncarriers. Testing for ApoE ε4 status should be performed prior to initiation of treatment to inform the risk of developing ARIA. Prior to testing, prescribers should discuss with patients the risk of ARIA across genotypes and the implications of genetic testing results. Prescribers should inform patients that if genotype testing is not performed, they can still be treated with LEQEMBI; however, it cannot be determined if they are ApoE ε4 homozygotes and at higher risk for ARIA.
  • Consider the benefit of LEQEMBI for the treatment of AD and the potential risk of serious ARIA events when deciding to initiate treatment with LEQEMBI.

CONTRAINDICATION

Contraindicated in patients with serious hypersensitivity to lecanemab-irmb or to any of the excipients. Reactions have included angioedema and anaphylaxis.

WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS

AMYLOID-RELATED IMAGING ABNORMALITIES

Medications in this class, including LEQEMBI, can cause ARIA-E, which can be observed on MRI as brain edema or sulcal effusions, and ARIA-H, which includes microhemorrhage and superficial siderosis. ARIA can occur spontaneously in patients with AD, particularly in patients with MRI findings suggestive of cerebral amyloid angiopathy (CAA), such as pretreatment microhemorrhage or superficial siderosis. ARIA-H generally occurs with ARIA-E. Reported ARIA symptoms may include headache, confusion, visual changes, dizziness, nausea, and gait difficulty. Focal neurologic deficits may also occur. Symptoms usually resolve over time.

Incidence of ARIA
Symptomatic ARIA occurred in 3% and serious ARIA symptoms in 0.7% with LEQEMBI. Clinical ARIA symptoms resolved in 79% of patients during the period of observation. ARIA, including asymptomatic radiographic events, was observed: LEQEMBI, 21%; placebo, 9%. ARIA-E was observed: LEQEMBI, 13%; placebo, 2%. ARIA-H was observed: LEQEMBI, 17%; placebo, 9%. No increase in isolated ARIA-H was observed for LEQEMBI vs placebo.

Incidence of ICH
ICH >1 cm in diameter was reported in 0.7% with LEQEMBI vs 0.1% with placebo. Fatal events of ICH in patients taking LEQEMBI have been observed.

Risk Factors of ARIA and ICH

ApoE ε4 Carrier Status
Of the patients taking LEQEMBI, 16% were ApoE ε4 homozygotes, 53% were heterozygotes, and 31% were noncarriers. With LEQEMBI, ARIA was higher in ApoE ε4 homozygotes (LEQEMBI: 45%; placebo: 22%) than in heterozygotes (LEQEMBI: 19%; placebo: 9%) and noncarriers (LEQEMBI: 13%; placebo: 4%). Symptomatic ARIA-E occurred in 9% of ApoE ε4 homozygotes vs 2% of heterozygotes and 1% of noncarriers. Serious ARIA events occurred in 3% of ApoE ε4 homozygotes and in ~1% of heterozygotes and noncarriers. The recommendations on management of ARIA do not differ between ApoE ε4 carriers and noncarriers.

Radiographic Findings of CAA
Neuroimaging findings that may indicate CAA include evidence of prior ICH, cerebral microhemorrhage, and cortical superficial siderosis. CAA has an increased risk for ICH. The presence of an ApoE ε4 allele is also associated with CAA.

The baseline presence of at least 2 microhemorrhages or the presence of at least 1 area of superficial siderosis on MRI, which may be suggestive of CAA, have been identified as risk factors for ARIA. Patients were excluded from Clarity AD for the presence of >4 microhemorrhages and additional findings suggestive of CAA (prior cerebral hemorrhage >1 cm in greatest diameter, superficial siderosis, vasogenic edema) or other lesions (aneurysm, vascular malformation) that could potentially increase the risk of ICH.

Concomitant Antithrombotic or Thrombolytic Medication
In Clarity AD, baseline use of antithrombotic medication (aspirin, other antiplatelets, or anticoagulants) was allowed if the patient was on a stable dose. Most exposures were to aspirin. Antithrombotic medications did not increase the risk of ARIA with LEQEMBI. The incidence of ICH: 0.9% in patients taking LEQEMBI with a concomitant antithrombotic medication vs 0.6% with no antithrombotic and 2.5% in patients taking LEQEMBI with an anticoagulant alone or with antiplatelet medication such as aspirin vs none in patients receiving placebo.

Fatal cerebral hemorrhage has occurred in 1 patient taking an anti-amyloid monoclonal antibody in the setting of focal neurologic symptoms of ARIA and the use of a thrombolytic agent.

Additional caution should be exercised when considering the administration of antithrombotics or a thrombolytic agent (e.g., tissue plasminogen activator) to a patient already being treated with LEQEMBI. Because ARIA-E can cause focal neurologic deficits that can mimic an ischemic stroke, treating clinicians should consider whether such symptoms could be due to ARIA-E before giving thrombolytic therapy in a patient being treated with LEQEMBI.

Caution should be exercised when considering the use of LEQEMBI in patients with factors that indicate an increased risk for ICH and, in particular, patients who need to be on anticoagulant therapy or patients with findings on MRI that are suggestive of CAA.

Radiographic Severity With LEQEMBI
Most ARIA-E radiographic events occurred within the first 7 doses, although ARIA can occur at any time, and patients can have >1 episode. Maximum radiographic severity of ARIA-E with LEQEMBI was mild in 4%, moderate in 7%, and severe in 1% of patients. Resolution on MRI occurred in 52% of ARIA-E patients by 12 weeks, 81% by 17 weeks, and 100% overall after detection. Maximum radiographic severity of ARIA-H microhemorrhage with LEQEMBI was mild in 9%, moderate in 2%, and severe in 3% of patients; superficial siderosis was mild in 4%, moderate in 1%, and severe in 0.4% of patients. With LEQEMBI, the rate of severe radiographic ARIA-E was highest in ApoE ε4 homozygotes (5%) vs heterozygotes (0.4%) or noncarriers (0%). With LEQEMBI, the rate of severe radiographic ARIA-H was highest in ApoE ε4 homozygotes (13.5%) vs heterozygotes (2.1%) or noncarriers (1.1%).

Monitoring and Dose Management Guidelines
Baseline brain MRI and periodic monitoring with MRI are recommended. Enhanced clinical vigilance for ARIA is recommended during the first 14 weeks of treatment. Depending on ARIA-E and ARIA-H clinical symptoms and radiographic severity, use clinical judgment when considering whether to continue dosing or to temporarily or permanently discontinue LEQEMBI. If a patient experiences ARIA symptoms, clinical evaluation should be performed, including MRI if indicated. If ARIA is observed on MRI, careful clinical evaluation should be performed prior to continuing treatment.

HYPERSENSITIVITY REACTIONS

Hypersensitivity reactions, including angioedema, bronchospasm, and anaphylaxis, have occurred with LEQEMBI. Promptly discontinue the infusion upon the first observation of any signs or symptoms consistent with a hypersensitivity reaction and initiate appropriate therapy.

INFUSION-RELATED REACTIONS (IRRs)

IRRs were observed—LEQEMBI: 26%; placebo: 7%—and most cases with LEQEMBI (75%) occurred with the first infusion. IRRs were mostly mild (69%) or moderate (28%). Symptoms included fever and flu-like symptoms (chills, generalized aches, feeling shaky, and joint pain), nausea, vomiting, hypotension, hypertension, and oxygen desaturation.

IRRs can occur during or after the completion of infusion. In the event of an IRR during the infusion, the infusion rate may be reduced or discontinued, and appropriate therapy initiated as clinically indicated. Consider prophylactic treatment prior to future infusions with antihistamines, acetaminophen, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, or corticosteroids.

ADVERSE REACTIONS

  • The most common adverse reactions reported in �5% with LEQEMBI infusion every 2 weeks and �2% higher than placebo were IRRs (LEQEMBI: 26%; placebo: 7%), ARIA-H (LEQEMBI: 14%; placebo: 8%), ARIA-E (LEQEMBI: 13%; placebo: 2%), headache (LEQEMBI: 11%; placebo: 8%), superficial siderosis of central nervous system (LEQEMBI: 6%; placebo: 3%), rash (LEQEMBI: 6%; placebo: 4%), and nausea/vomiting (LEQEMBI: 6%; placebo: 4%)
  • Safety profile of LEQEMBI IQLIK for maintenance treatment was similar to LEQEMBI infusion. Patients who received LEQEMBI IQLIK experienced localized and systemic (less frequent) injection-related reactions (mild to moderate in severity)

LEQEMBI (lecanemab-irmb) is available:

  • Intravenous infusion: 100 mg/mL
  • Subcutaneous injection: 200 mg/mL

Please see full for LEQEMBI, including Boxed WARNING.

MEDIA CONTACTS
Eisai Co., Ltd.
Public Relations Department
TEL: +81 (0)3-3817-5120

Eisai Europe, Ltd.
EMEA Communications Department
+44 (0) 797 487 9419
[email protected]

Eisai Inc. (U.S.)
Libby Holman
+1-201-753-1945
[email protected]
Biogen Inc.

Madeleine Shin
+1-781-464-3260
[email protected]

INVESTOR CONTACTS
Eisai Co., Ltd.
Investor Relations Department
TEL: +81 (0) 3-3817-5122
Biogen Inc.
Tim Power
+ 1-781-464-2442
[email protected]

Notes to Editors

1.About lecanemab (generic name, brand name: LEQEMBI®)
Lecanemab is the result of a strategic research alliance between Eisai and BioArctic. It is a humanized immunoglobulin gamma (IgG1) monoclonal antibody directed against aggregated soluble (protofibril) and insoluble forms of amyloid-beta (Aβ). Protofibrils are believed to contribute to the brain injury that occurs with AD and are considered to be the most toxic form of Aβ, having a primary role in the cognitive decline associated with this progressive, debilitating condition.1 Protofibrils cause injury to neurons in the brain, which in turn, can negatively impact cognitive function via multiple mechanisms, not only increasing the development of insoluble Aβ plaques but also increasing direct damage to brain cell membranes and the connections that transmit signals between nerve cells or nerve cells and other cells.2 It is believed the reduction of protofibrils may prevent the progression of AD by reducing damage to neurons in the brain and cognitive dysfunction.

Lecanemab has been approved in 48 countries and is under regulatory review in 10 countries. In January 2025, the supplemental Biologics License Application (sBLA) for intravenous (IV) maintenance dosing of the treatment was approved in the U.S., and application have been filed in nine (9) countries and regions.

LEQEMBI's approvals in these countries was based on Phase 3 data from Eisai's, global Clarity AD clinical trial, in which it met its primary endpoint and all key secondary endpoints with statistically significant results. The primary endpoint was the global cognitive and functional scale, Clinical Dementia Rating Sum of Boxes (CDR-SB). In the Clarity AD clinical trial, treatment with lecanemab reduced clinical decline on CDR-SB by 27% at 18 months compared to placebo. The mean CDR-SB score at baseline was approximately 3.2 in both groups. The adjusted least-squares mean change from baseline at 18 months was 1.21 with lecanemab and 1.66 with placebo (difference, �0.45; 95% confidence interval [CI], �0.67 to �0.23; P<0.001). In addition, the secondary endpoint from the AD Cooperative Study-Activities of Daily Living Scale for Mild Cognitive Impairment (ADCS-MCI-ADL), which measures information provided by people caring for patients with AD, noted a statistically significant benefit of 37% compared to placebo. The adjusted mean change from baseline at 18 months in the ADCS-MCI-ADL score was �3.5 in the lecanemab group and �5.5 in the placebo group (difference, 2.0; 95% CI, 1.2 to 2.8; P<0.001). The ADCS MCI-ADL assesses the ability of patients to function independently, including being able to dress, feed themselves and participate in community activities. The most common adverse events (>10%) in the lecanemab group were infusion reactions, ARIA-H (combined cerebral microhemorrhages, cerebral macrohemorrhages, and superficial siderosis), ARIA-E (edema/effusion), headache, and fall.

Since July 2020, the Phase 3 clinical study (AHEAD 3-45) for individuals with preclinical AD, meaning they are clinically normal and have intermediate or elevated levels of amyloid in their brains, is ongoing. AHEAD 3-45 is conducted as a public-private partnership between the Alzheimer's Clinical Trial Consortium that provides the infrastructure for academic clinical trials in AD and related dementias in the U.S, funded by the National Institute on Aging, part of the National Institutes of Health, Eisai, and Biogen. Since January 2022, the Tau NexGen clinical study for Dominantly Inherited AD (DIAD), that is conducted by Dominantly Inherited Alzheimer Network Trials Unit (DIAN-TU), led by Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, is ongoing and includes lecanemab as the backbone anti-amyloid therapy.

2.About the Collaboration between Eisai and Biogen for AD
Eisai and Biogen have been collaborating on the joint development and commercialization of AD treatments since 2014. Eisai serves as the lead of lecanemab development and regulatory submissions globally with both companies co-commercializing and co-promoting the product and Eisai having final decision-making authority.

3.About the Collaboration between Eisai and BioArctic for AD
Since 2005, Eisai and BioArctic have had a long-term collaboration regarding the development and commercialization of AD treatments. Eisai obtained the global rights to study, develop, manufacture and market lecanemab for the treatment of AD pursuant to an agreement with BioArctic in December 2007. The development and commercialization agreement on the antibody lecanemab back-up was signed in May 2015.

4.About Eisai Co., Ltd.
Eisai's Corporate Concept is "to give first thought to patients and people in the daily living domain, and to increase the benefits that health care provides." Under this Concept (also known as human health care (hhc) Concept), we aim to effectively achieve social good in the form of relieving anxiety over health and reducing health disparities. With a global network of R&D facilities, manufacturing sites and marketing subsidiaries, we strive to create and deliver innovative products to target diseases with high unmet medical needs, with a particular focus in our strategic areas of Neurology and Oncology.

In addition, we demonstrate our commitment to the elimination of neglected tropical diseases (NTDs), which is a target (3.3) of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), by working on various activities together with global partners.

For more information about Eisai, please visit (for global headquarters: Eisai Co., Ltd.), and connect with us on , and . The website and social media channels are intended for audiences outside of the UK and Europe. For audiences based in the UK and Europe, please visit and Eisai EMEA .

5.About Biogen
Founded in 1978, Biogen is a leading biotechnology company that pioneers innovative science to deliver new medicines to transform patients' lives and to create value for shareholders and our communities. We apply deep understanding of human biology and leverage different modalities to advance first-in-class treatments or therapies that deliver superior outcomes. Our approach is to take bold risks, balanced with return on investment to deliver long-term growth.

The company routinely posts information that may be important to investors on its website at. Follow Biogen on social media-, , , .

Biogen Safe Harbor
This news release contains forward-looking statements, including about the potential clinical effects of lecanemab; the potential benefits, safety and efficacy of lecanemab; potential regulatory discussions, submissions and approvals and the timing thereof including for lecanemab-irmb (LEQEMBI IQLIK); the treatment of Alzheimer's disease; the anticipated benefits and potential of Biogen's collaboration arrangements with Eisai; the potential of Biogen's commercial business and pipeline programs, including lecanemab; and risks and uncertainties associated with drug development and commercialization. These forward-looking statements may be accompanied by such words as "aim," "anticipate," "assume," "believe," "contemplate," "continue," "could," "estimate," "expect," "forecast," "goal," "guidance," "hope," "intend," "may," "objective," "plan," "possible," "potential," "predict," "project," "prospect," "should," "target," "will," "would,"and other words and terms of similar meaning. Drug development and commercialization involve a high degree of risk, and only a small number of research and development programs result in commercialization of a product. Results in early-stage clinical trials may not be indicative of full results or results from later stage or larger scale clinical trials and do not ensure regulatory approval. You should not place undue reliance on these statements. Given their forward-looking nature, these statements involve substantial risks and uncertainties that may be based on inaccurate assumptions and could cause actual results to differ materially from those reflected in such statements. These forward-looking statements are based on management's current beliefs and assumptions and on information currently available to management. Given their nature, we cannot assure that any outcome expressed in these forward-looking statements will be realized in whole or in part. We caution that these statements are subject to risks and uncertainties, many of which are outside of our control and could cause future events or results to be materially different from those stated or implied in this document, including, among others, uncertainty of long-term success in developing, licensing, or acquiring other product candidates or additional indications for existing products; expectations, plans and prospects relating to product approvals, approvals of additional indications for our existing products, sales, pricing, growth, reimbursement and launch of our marketed and pipeline products; our ability to effectively implement our corporate strategy; the successful execution of our strategic and growth initiatives, including acquisitions; the risk that positive results in a clinical trial may not be replicated in subsequent or confirmatory trials or success in early stage clinical trials may not be predictive of results in later stage or large scale clinical trials or trials in other potential indications; risks associated with clinical trials, including our ability to adequately manage clinical activities, unexpected concerns that may arise from additional data or analysis obtained during clinical trials, regulatory authorities may require additional information or further studies, or may fail to approve or may delay approval of our drug candidates; the occurrence of adverse safety events, restrictions on use with our products, or product liability claims; and any other risks and uncertainties that are described in other reports we have filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.

These statements speak only as of the date of this press release and are based on information and estimates available to us at this time. Should known or unknown risks or uncertainties materialize or should underlying assumptions prove inaccurate, actual results could vary materially from past results and those anticipated, estimated or projected. Investors are cautioned not to put undue reliance on forward-looking statements. A further list and description of risks, uncertainties and other matters can be found in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2024 and in our subsequent reports on Form 10-Q and Form 10-K, in each case including in the sections thereof captioned "Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements" and "Item 1A. Risk Factors," and in our subsequent reports on Form 8-K. Except as required by law, we do not undertake any obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statements whether as a result of any new information, future events, changed circumstances or otherwise.

References

  1. LEQEMBI (lecanemab-irmb) Prescribing Information. Nutley, NJ: Eisai Inc.
  2. Iwatsubo T, Irizarry M, van Dyck C, Sabbagh M, Bateman RJ, Cohen S. Clarity AD: a phase 3 placebo-controlled, double-blind, parallel-group, 18-month study evaluating lecanemab in early Alzheimer's disease. Presented at: CTAD Conference; November 29-December 2, 2022; San Francisco, CA.
  3. Hampel H, Hardy J, Blennow K, et al. The amyloid pathway in Alzheimer's disease. Mol Psychiatry. 2021;26(10):5481-5503.
  4. Eisai presents long-term administration data of lecanemab at the Alzheimer's Association International Conference (AAIC) 2024. Available at:
  5. McDade et al. Lecanemab in patients with early Alzheimer's disease: detailed results on biomarker, cognitive, and clinical effects from the randomized and open-label extension of the phase 2 proof-of-concept study. Alzheimers Res Ther. 2022 Dec 21;14(1):191. doi: 10.1186/s13195-022-01124-2.
  6. Cohen S., et al. J Prev Alzheimers Dis.2022;9(3):507-522.
  7. Amin L, Harris DA. Aβ receptors specifically recognize molecular features displayed by fibril ends and neurotoxic oligomers. Nat Commun. 2021;12:3451. doi:10.1038/s41467-021-23507-z.
  8. Morris JC. Neurology. 1993;43(11):2412-4.
  9. Ono K, Tsuji M. Protofibrils of Amyloid-β are Important Targets of a Disease-Modifying Approach for Alzheimer's Disease. Int J Mol Sci. 2020;21(3):952. doi: 10.3390/ijms21030952. PMID: 32023927; PMCID: PMC7037706.

FAQ

When will LEQEMBI IQLIK be available for Alzheimer's patients in the US?

LEQEMBI IQLIK will launch on October 6, 2025 in the United States.

How is LEQEMBI IQLIK administered compared to the original LEQEMBI treatment?

LEQEMBI IQLIK is administered as a weekly 360 mg subcutaneous injection that takes about 15 seconds, compared to the original IV infusion given every two weeks.

What are the main safety differences between BIIB's LEQEMBI IQLIK and IV infusion?

LEQEMBI IQLIK showed significantly fewer systemic reactions (< 1%) compared to IV infusions (26%). However, about 11% experienced mild-to-moderate injection site reactions.

How effective is LEQEMBI in treating early Alzheimer's disease long-term?

At 48 months, LEQEMBI demonstrated a reduction in cognitive decline of 1.75-2.17 points on the CDR-SB scale compared to expected natural disease progression.

What patient support does Biogen offer for LEQEMBI IQLIK treatment?

Biogen offers dedicated Patient Navigators, injection support, and a Patient Assistance Program (PAP) that provides the medication at no cost for eligible uninsured and underinsured patients.
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