Based on coverage from CBC, Ottawa Citizen, and The Globe And Mail.
Health Canada Approves Lecanemab for Alzheimer's
In a significant development for Alzheimer's treatment in Canada, Health Canada has granted conditional approval to Lecanemab, a drug that targets the underlying causes of Alzheimer's rather than just its symptoms. This marks the first time a disease-modifying drug for Alzheimer's has been approved in the country, offering hope to the more than 770,000 Canadians living with dementia. Lecanemab, also known by its brand name Leqembi, is an antibody drug that targets amyloid plaques in the brain, a hallmark of Alzheimer's disease.
The approval comes after a lengthy review process of two-and-a-half years, which is notably longer than Health Canada's typical 300-day decision timeline. Despite the excitement surrounding this approval, the drug's high cost and potential side effects, such as brain swelling and microbleeds, pose challenges to its widespread use.
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Challenges and Considerations for Lecanemab Use
While lecanemab's approval is a milestone, it is not without its complications. The drug must be administered intravenously every two weeks and requires frequent MRI scans to monitor for side effects, especially in the first year of treatment. These requirements, along with the drug's high cost—estimated at around $26,500 USD annually in the United States—raise concerns about accessibility. Health Canada has advised against its use in patients with two copies of the APOE e4 gene, which increases the risk of side effects.
The Alzheimer Society of Ontario and other advocacy groups are urging for the drug to be publicly funded to ensure equitable access. Adam Morrison, a senior director at the Alzheimer Society of Ontario, emphasized the importance of making the treatment available to all eligible Canadians, not just those with private insurance or the means to pay out of pocket.
Related: B.C. Proposes 27-Week Unpaid Medical Leave for Workers Under New Legislation
Future Implications for Alzheimer's Treatment in Canada
The approval of Lecanemab is seen as a hopeful step forward in Alzheimer's treatment, but it also highlights the need for a more robust healthcare infrastructure to support timely diagnoses and access to care. Dr. Andrew Frank, a cognitive neurologist at the Bruyère Memory Program in Ottawa, noted that while the drug is not a cure, it offers patients more time to enjoy life and spend with loved ones.
The approval also sets the stage for future advancements in Alzheimer's treatment. Dr. Frank and other experts hope that Lecanemab is the first of many disease-modifying therapies to come, potentially transforming how Alzheimer's is managed in Canada. However, the current healthcare system must adapt to accommodate these new treatments, ensuring that patients receive timely and equitable care.
As Canada navigates the complexities of introducing Lecanemab, the focus remains on balancing the drug's benefits with its risks and costs. For now, the approval of lecanemab represents a significant, albeit cautious, step forward in the fight against Alzheimer's disease.
