A relatively new drug called Lecanemab has been approved for use in the United Kingdom and there are hopes it will also be approved in Australia as an effective treatment for Alzheimer’s Disease.
Lecanemab is currently available in the USA, Japan, China, South Korea and Israel. The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) is determining whether to join the UK’s Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency in approving the drug.
Dementia Australia welcomed the decision with Professor Christopher Rowe, the director of the Australian Dementia Network (ADNeT) excited by the potential outcomes.
“While this is not a cure it is an exciting and historic first step towards reducing the huge impact that Alzheimer’s disease has across communities, not only those with the disease but also their families, carers and health and aged care services,” Professor Rowe said.
“ADNeT looks forward to this and other promising treatments under development that together may make a substantial positive change.
“Lecanemab is a drug, produced by Eisai, which slows the progression of symptoms of early Alzheimer’s disease by removing amyloid plaques from the brain. Amyloid plaques play a key role in Alzheimer’s disease and their removal slows decline on measures of cognition and daily function.”
There have been some concerns regarding Lecanemab in the past, with experts warning it’s not a “fix-all solution” for Alzheimer’s disease.
Experts believe it will help up to 20% of people with Alzheimer’s, though, as evidence shows it does slow down the rate of decline for some people.
Dementia Australia CEO Professor Tanya Buchanan said Dementia Australia looks forward to Lecanemab being approved for use in Australia.
“Although this treatment will not be appropriate for everyone, this is a step forward in the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease and represents a new hope for people impacted by dementia,” Professor Buchanan said.
“We look forward to Australians being offered the choice to access Lecanemab if clinically appropriate.
“This an exciting time in the field. While Lecanemab will not be a magic bullet, it represents the first step towards effective treatments.”
The public may also have to bide its time if the drug is approved in Australia. Lecanemab is not available through the UK’s public healthcare system, the National Health Service, and its availability could also be limited here.
