Lecanemab (Leqembi), made by Eisai and Biogen, is only the second drug approved by the FDA to treat Alzheimer’s disease, and it may be the most effective. In studies, Leqembi slowed cognitive decline as measured on tests and tasks of daily living by 27% compared to placebo. Patients receive the drug, which helps to reduce build up of the amyloid protein in the brain that can compromise brain function, intravenously once every two weeks at an infusion center. The drug can cause brain swelling, especially among those with genes that put them at higher risk for developing Alzheimer’s, but regular scans and tapering back on doses can control that risk.
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