New Alzheimer’s Drug: How Does Lecanemab Work?

Irvine Clinical Research recently took part in a landmark clinical trial for the Alzheimer's drug lecanemab. With all the news surrounding the study's results, it is important to understand what the drug is, what it does, and how it can help people with cognitive decline.

Lecanamab is a monoclonal antibody drug. It has been shown to clean amyloid plaques from the brain, which are believed to contribute to cognitive decline and may be a precursor for ’Alzheimer’s disease.

Unlike the previously FDA-approved drug Aduhelm, lecanemab targets an earlier stage of the protein that may contribute to the formation of amyloid plaques. In September 2022, the study’s sponsors announced that lecanemab showed a 27% slowing of cognitive decline related to Alzheimer's Disease. 

Participants in the study were showing either mild cognitive impairment or were in a very early stage of Alzheimer's. Further testing will be required to determine effectiveness in patients without symptoms or with more severe forms of the illness. But experts at UCSF have declared this a major milestone in the process of identifying and caring for persons with Alzheimer's Disease.

Lecanemab is expected to receive FDA approval soon, and both companies behind the drug have suggested they will continue to test its effectiveness in different patient populations, and further study other ways it could be used to treat Alzheimer's. 

If you'd like to learn more or take part in one of our clinical studies like the one described above, please Contact Us to speak to one of our clinical staff.