Lecanemab: Difference between revisions
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{{MedTemplate | {{MedTemplate | ||
| | | brand = Leqembi | ||
| | | classes = Anti-amyloid beta (Aβ) monoclonal antibody, targets protofibrils | ||
| | | mechanism = Humanized IgG1 monoclonal antibody with higher affinity for '''soluble Aβ protofibrils''' than for monomeric Aβ or insoluble plaques. The protofibril-targeting rationale: soluble oligomers and protofibrils are hypothesized to be the most neurotoxic Aβ species. Promotes microglial clearance and reduces protofibril burden. | ||
| | | uses = Alzheimer disease (MCI or mild dementia stage); FDA accelerated approval Jan 2023 → traditional approval July 2023 | ||
| starting_dose = 10 mg/kg IV every 2 weeks | |||
| preparations = 200 mg/2 mL, 500 mg/5 mL vials for IV infusion | |||
| fda_max = 10 mg/kg q2w | |||
| routes = IV infusion (60 min) every 2 weeks; outpatient or infusion-center setting | |||
| onset = Slowing of cognitive decline over 18 months (modest effect, ~27% relative slowing) | |||
| duration = Ongoing dosing | |||
| halflife = ~5-7 days | |||
| bioavailability = 100% (IV) | |||
| pregnancy = Limited data | |||
| legal = Rx; REMS-like program for ARIA monitoring | |||
| intro = '''Lecanemab''' (brand name Leqembi) is a humanized monoclonal antibody targeting soluble Aβ protofibrils, FDA-approved for Alzheimer disease (MCI/mild AD) via accelerated approval in January 2023 and converted to traditional approval in July 2023. Unlike aducanumab, lecanemab's pivotal trial (Clarity AD, 1795 patients, 18 months) was clearly positive: ~27% relative slowing of cognitive decline on CDR-SB. | |||
The effect is real but modest, and comes with substantial cost (~$26,500/year), inconvenience (biweekly IV infusions), and ARIA risk (especially in APOE ε4 homozygotes, boxed warning recommends genotyping before treatment). Several deaths from ARIA-related cerebral edema/hemorrhage have been reported, particularly in patients on concurrent anticoagulants. | |||
The broader question of whether lecanemab's modest clinical benefit justifies the cost, risk, and burden is actively debated. Reasonable observers disagree. | |||
| pharmacodynamics= Humanized IgG1 with high affinity for Aβ protofibrils (and lower affinity for monomers and plaques). Promotes microglial Aβ clearance via Fc-receptor engagement. | |||
| effects = '''ARIA-E''' (vasogenic edema) and '''ARIA-H''' (microhemorrhages), both often asymptomatic but can be serious. Infusion reactions. Headache. Boxed warning: APOE ε4 homozygotes at higher ARIA risk (~33% vs ~13% in non-carriers); genotype testing recommended before initiating. | |||
| interactions = <pharmaInteractions/> | |||
}} | }} | ||
[[Category:Anti-Dementia Medicines]] | |||
[[Category:Anti-Amyloid Monoclonal Antibodies]] | |||
[[Category:Alzheimer Disease Medicines]] | |||