Alzheimer's drug firm Eisai secures approval in Japan

Eisai is also seeking approval of the medicine in other markets, including Europe and China

Alzheimer’s disease is the most common type of dementia, which afflicts over 55 million people worldwide and is expected to almost double every 20 years, according to Alzheimer’s Disease International.

Eisai's breakthrough Alzheimer’s disease drug is poised to gain the backing of Japanese regulators after the medicine was fully cleared in the US last month.

A panel that advises Japan’s health ministry recommended approval of Leqembi, according to a government statement. The ministry relies on the expert panel’s review before clearing new medicines and generally follows its recommendations.