Leqembi’s approval for Alzheimer’s treatment marks a turning point

The voices, values and lived experience of people living with dementia - and their families - must shape the path forward for Alzheimer's treatment 

On April 15, the agency approved Leqembi. File photo: Eisai Co Ltd via AP

THIS week marks a watershed moment as the European Commission approves Leqembi — the first drug authorised by the European Medicines Agency to slow progression of early-stage Alzheimer’s.

This landmark decision follows a protracted and controversial process, including an extraordinary escalation to an appeal committee. On April 15, the agency approved Leqembi just weeks after rejecting a similar drug, Kisunla, based on the benefit-risk profile. Both Leqembi and Kisunla are available in other regions such as Britain.