Multipronged Approach Against Alzheimer's Disease

In July 2023, Eisai and Biogen received full traditional approval from the United States Food and Drug Administration (US FDA) for their Alzheimer's drug Leqembi (lecanemab-irmb). This drug is the first to target the disease's progression rather than merely addressing its symptoms.

- Ayesha Siddiqui 

The approval has infused excitement and hope into the field of Alzheimer's drug development, known for frequent drug failures. Alzheimer's Disease (AD) is an escalating global health crisis. In 2020, the World Health Organisation (WHO) noted over 50 million people had dementia worldwide; 60 per cent of them lived in low- to middle-income countries. The Asia Pacific region bears a hefty burden with dementia care costs at $185 billion, straining healthcare in populous economies, according to ADI (Alzheimer's Disease International). As we mark World Alzheimer's Day this year on September 21, let's take a stock of the advancements in the research and development in the Asia Pacific.

Alzheimer’s, which leads to dementia in the elderly, is a neurodegenerative condition attributed to the accumulation of amyloid plaques and abnormal tau protein in the brain. Recent FDA approval of Eisai and Biogen treatment has sparked excitement and hope in the field after years of disappointments.

Chris Lynch, Deputy CEO and Policy, Communications and Publications Director, Alzhiemer's Disease International (ADI), UK

Ramping up Alzheimer's prevention & care

In the absence of a universally available disease modifying treatment or cure, risk reduction represents one of the few tangible interventions that individuals can undertake to potentially prevent or delay the onset of dementia later in life. Risk reduction, post-diagnosis of dementia, is also an expanding area of knowledge which could also help ensure those living with the condition live well and remain independent for longer. However, few, including those living without a diagnosis, are aware of the risk factors and what they themselves can do to help address them.