BRIEF—UK push for lecanemab follows earlier EU submission

Japanese drugmaker Eisai has submitted to the British medicines regulator for approval for lecanemab, an Alzheimer’s med marketed in the USA by partner Biogen under the Leqembi brand.

The submission is based on the results of the Phase IIb Study 201 and Phase III Clarity AD trials, showing a reduction of clinical decline in early Alzheimer’s after 18 months.

Backed by robust clinical trial data, analysts anticipate stellar sales of the therapy in coming years - despite its limited impact in a specific patient population - given the lack of effective alternatives.

As the companies continue to roll out the therapy globally, sales are anticipated to reach over $10 billion at peak. Eisai submitted for approval in the EU in January, and in Canada earlier this month.