What the Alzheimer's drug approval in the U.S. could mean for Canada
CTV
The U.S. FDA approved North America’s first Alzheimer’s treatment Lecanemab, also known as Leqembi. What does that mean for Canadians living with the disease?
The first drug to slow the progression of Alzheimer’s has been approved for use in the U.S., and Canada could follow soon.
Lecanemab, also known by the brand name Leqembi, is the first available treatment for Alzheimer’s in North America.
Donald Weaver, director and senior scientist at the Krembil Research Institute at the University Health Network, told CTV’s Your Morning on Friday this disease-modifying-drug is not a cure but “a step in the right direction.”
Weaver explained Leqembi binds and prevents amyloid protein from clumping up and accumulating in the brain.
“There’s lots of people who think that amyloid is the key to what causes Alzheimer’s disease,” he said.
Weaver added when studying the drug, it showed memory improvement by 27 per cent which he compared to expanding cognitive abilities and functions by six months.
“You may be able to stay at home six months longer. You may be able to recognize and interact with your family at a more meaningful level,” he said, “It’s a huge amount of time.”
