Kyodo News, August 2nd: Regarding the Alzheimer's treatment drug "Lecanemab" jointly developed by Japanese pharmaceutical giant Eisai and U.S.-based Biogen, a specialized panel of the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare will convene on August 21st to deliberate on the approval for its production and sale. If approved, it is expected to be put into practical use as early as within the year, becoming the first dementia treatment drug designed to remove substances that cause disease progression.
Reportedly, Eisai applied for approval in Japan on January 16. Clinical trials showed a 27% effect in suppressing symptom deterioration and delaying disease progression, but there were also reports of side effects such as brain edema and cerebral hemorrhage. The U.S. officially approved the drug on July 6, with a standard price of $26,500 per year. If put into practical use, it is expected to be very expensive in Japan as well.