Key TakeawaysA new study suggests that a subcutaneous form of the injectable Alzheimer’s drug Leqembi is 14% more effective at removing amyloid plaque than the intravenous form (IV).The study also found that flu-like symptoms typically associated with intravenous Leqembi were uncommon with subcutaneous Leqembi, and that subcutaneous Leqembi had a lower rate of side effects at the injection site.Experts anticipate that the subcutaneous form of Leqembi could prove more cost-effective than its intravenous counterpart, as it eliminates the need for assistance from medical professionals or additional equipment.
Key Takeaways
A new study suggests that a subcutaneous form of the injectable Alzheimer’s drug Leqembi is 14% more effective at removing amyloid plaque than the intravenous form (IV).The study also found that flu-like symptoms typically associated with intravenous Leqembi were uncommon with subcutaneous Leqembi, and that subcutaneous Leqembi had a lower rate of side effects at the injection site.Experts anticipate that the subcutaneous form of Leqembi could prove more cost-effective than its intravenous counterpart, as it eliminates the need for assistance from medical professionals or additional equipment.
However, a new study from drug manufacturers Eisai and Biogen shows that a subcutaneous form of Leqembi—which is similar to the administration of a vaccine—was14% more effectiveat removing amyloid plaque than the currently approved intravenous (IV) version.
“It is promising that the subcutaneous form could have a similar benefit, with an easier route of administration,” Judith Heidebrink, MD, professor of neurology at the University of Michigan, told Verywell.
Depending on the patient, the intravenous form of Leqembi can take anywhere between an hour or two hours and requires an infusion every two weeks. If approved, subcutaneous Leqembi could be administered at home and take only a few minutes to administer, making it a much more convenient option, said Howard Fillit, MD, co-founder and chief science officer at the Alzheimer’s Drug Discovery Foundation (ADDF).
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Despite Increased Effectiveness, Some Risk Remains
Among the 72 participants who received Leqembi during the study, there was a low rate (8%) of side effects like skin redness, irritation, and swelling at the injection site. Flu-like side effects like chills, body aches, joint pain, and fever were less common, especially when compared to the IV version of the drug.
This doesn’t mean that injectable Leqembi is safer than the intravenous version. In fact, subcutaneous injection didn’t reduce the risk of brain bleeding and swelling associated with the drug.
It’s important to note that the sample size of participants who received the Leqembi injection was small. More research is needed to determine possible side effects and how the injection compares to intravenous Leqembi.
Would an Injection Be Cheaper?Currently, Leqembi is approved for IV administration, but this method is costly with a whopping $26,500 yearly price tag. Although the subcutaneous form of Leqembi is still experimental and no information has been made available on the exact cost, experts predict that it will be cheaper and more cost-effective than IV.“Presumably the overall cost would be less since it would not need the equipment of medical professionals that are required for an IV infusion,” Heidebrink said.
Would an Injection Be Cheaper?
Currently, Leqembi is approved for IV administration, but this method is costly with a whopping $26,500 yearly price tag. Although the subcutaneous form of Leqembi is still experimental and no information has been made available on the exact cost, experts predict that it will be cheaper and more cost-effective than IV.“Presumably the overall cost would be less since it would not need the equipment of medical professionals that are required for an IV infusion,” Heidebrink said.
Leqembi is not a treatment for everyone with Alzheimer’s disease.
“Its benefit has been shown only in persons with mild symptoms due to Alzheimer’s disease, such as individuals with memory loss who are still able to function independently or with minimal assistance,” Heidebrink said.
4 Important Things to Know About Accessing Newly-Approved Alzheimer’s Drug Leqembi
Even in people with mild symptoms, Leqembi may still not be an appropriate treatment option for some people. It’s best to consult with a neurologist on the best treatment plan.
What This Means For YouIf you or someone you know has mild Alzheimer’s, one of the new amyloid-clearing drugs may soon be available in an easier-to-administer and more tolerable form.
What This Means For You
If you or someone you know has mild Alzheimer’s, one of the new amyloid-clearing drugs may soon be available in an easier-to-administer and more tolerable form.
2 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Biogen.Lecanemab confirmatory phase 3 clarity ad study met primary endpoint, showing highly statistically significant reduction of clinical decline in large global clinical study of 1,795 participants with early Alzheimer’s disease.Biogen.Eisai presents new LEQEMBI® (lecanemab-irmb) investigational subcutaneous formulation interim study results and clinical improvement data in earlier stages of early Alzheimer’s disease from additional analyses of clarity AD at the clinical trials on alzhe.
2 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Biogen.Lecanemab confirmatory phase 3 clarity ad study met primary endpoint, showing highly statistically significant reduction of clinical decline in large global clinical study of 1,795 participants with early Alzheimer’s disease.Biogen.Eisai presents new LEQEMBI® (lecanemab-irmb) investigational subcutaneous formulation interim study results and clinical improvement data in earlier stages of early Alzheimer’s disease from additional analyses of clarity AD at the clinical trials on alzhe.
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Biogen.Lecanemab confirmatory phase 3 clarity ad study met primary endpoint, showing highly statistically significant reduction of clinical decline in large global clinical study of 1,795 participants with early Alzheimer’s disease.Biogen.Eisai presents new LEQEMBI® (lecanemab-irmb) investigational subcutaneous formulation interim study results and clinical improvement data in earlier stages of early Alzheimer’s disease from additional analyses of clarity AD at the clinical trials on alzhe.
Biogen.Lecanemab confirmatory phase 3 clarity ad study met primary endpoint, showing highly statistically significant reduction of clinical decline in large global clinical study of 1,795 participants with early Alzheimer’s disease.
Biogen.Eisai presents new LEQEMBI® (lecanemab-irmb) investigational subcutaneous formulation interim study results and clinical improvement data in earlier stages of early Alzheimer’s disease from additional analyses of clarity AD at the clinical trials on alzhe.
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