Health Canada has granted approval for a drug that has demonstrated effectiveness in delaying the progression of Alzheimer’s disease.
Known as Lecanemab, this medication is the initial one to receive authorization in Canada specifically designed to target the accumulation of amyloid plaque in the brain, which is considered a fundamental factor in the development of Alzheimer’s.
Lecanemab is an artificially created antibody that attaches to the amyloid proteins, aiding in their neutralization and removal from the brain.
The administration of Lecanemab is recommended during the early stages of dementia when individuals exhibit mild cognitive impairment.
Adam Morrison, a representative of the Alzheimer Society of Ontario, expressed that patients and their families have eagerly awaited the approval of Lecanemab, also recognized by its brand name Leqembi, in Canada.
Alzheimer associations are advocating for swift introduction of the drug into the market by Canada’s Drug Agency and provincial governments, along with public funding to ensure affordability for all eligible patients, as it costs around $26,000 US annually in other nations.
Morrison highlighted that Lecanemab, requiring intravenous administration every two weeks, offers treatment rather than a cure, with clients expressing hope for additional time with their families.
According to a statement from manufacturer Eisai Co., Ltd., Lecanemab has been approved in approximately 50 countries and received approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in 2023.
The drug underwent testing in a global Phase 3 clinical trial, as stated by Eisai, with plans to continue submitting clinical evaluation data obtained from real-world clinical practice participants.
Potential adverse effects of Lecanemab may include brain swelling or bleeding, typically detectable through MRI scans without causing noticeable symptoms, explained Dr. Andrew Frank, a cognitive neurologist and medical director of the Bruyere Memory Program in Ottawa.
Dr. Frank, who provided consultation to Eisai Canada, elaborated on how the antibodies’ interaction with amyloid proteins during their clearance process might trigger brain inflammation, leading to swelling or bleeding.
He cautioned that side-effects like headache, dizziness, or lightheadedness could occur, with more severe outcomes such as seizures or stroke-like symptoms observed in rare instances.
Dr. Frank emphasized that less than one percent of clinical trial participants experienced persistent or potentially permanent side-effects upon discontinuation of the medication.
Supporting the availability of these medications for Canadians, Dr. Frank highlighted the importance of individuals, in consultation with their families and physicians, making informed decisions based on the risk-benefit assessment of slowing the disease versus the potential serious side effects.
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