US EditionHealth Canada Approves New Drug that Can Slow Alzheimer’s Disease
- On Friday Health Canada granted conditional authorization for lecanemab, brand name Leqembi, marking the first disease-modifying Alzheimer’s drug approved in Canada.
- Existing treatments mostly mitigate symptoms and were approved more than 20 years ago, while lecanemab works by clearing beta-amyloid proteins linked to brain cell death amid ongoing scientific debate.
- Taken by IV every two weeks, lecanemab requires one MRI before treatment and multiple MRIs in the first year to monitor rare brain swelling and microbleeds in patients with mild cognitive impairment or mild dementia due to Alzheimer’s disease.
- Clinics say Canadian clinics preparing to offer lecanemab could start soon, but MRI shortages and neurologist waitlists may limit access to patients with private health insurance or ability to pay.
- The Alzheimer Society of Canada notes more than 770,000 Canadians live with dementia as lecanemab is approved in 51 countries with 35,000 already treated.
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'Fountain of youth' molecule could promote healthy aging and slow diseases
A small molecule has been hailed as potentially promoting longevity and combating certain diseases — but experts are also calling for more research.NAD+ (Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide) — often nicknamed the "fountain of youth" — is a coenzyme that is essential for cellular survival, which naturally declines with age. In recent years, supplements designed to boost NAD+ levels have grown in popularity.Last month, researchers led by the Univers…
Health Canada has authorized a drug that slows the progression of Alzheimer's disease. Lecanemab should be administered intravenously.
Winnipeg Free Press
Health Canada authorizes long-awaited drug to slow early-stage Alzheimer's disease
Breaking News, Sports, Manitoba, Canada
An Alzheimer's drug approved in several other countries has just been approved by Health Canada. Lecanemab, which could delay the onset of one year's disease, is taken by patients who do not yet have symptoms, but its high cost generates controversy.
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