Alzheimer’s Drug's Safety Examined in New Study
Leqembi meets clinical trial expectations.
A key safety concern with lecanemab was evaluated in a new study looking at patients currently using the Alzheimer’s medication. Real-world evidence shows that lecanemab is performing as earlier clinical trials indicated it would.
Lecanemab, sold under the brand name Leqembi, slows the progression of Alzheimer’s disease by binding to and clearing amyloid brain plaques that disrupt communication between neurons in the brain. Amyloid plaques are a key feature of Alzheimer's disease, the most common form of dementia.
“There’s been a lot of fear about this medication, especially around brain swelling and bleeding,” said lead researcher Dr. Andrew Liu of Duke University School of Medicine.
This study investigated brain swelling and microbleeds, a concerning potential side effect previously noted in clinical trials. These reactions usually do not produce any symptoms, but when they do, complications can be serious and even fatal.
