Eisai launches first-of-its-kind disease-modifying therapy for early Alzheimer’s Disease in India

Eisai, a leading global research and development-based pharmaceutical company headquartered in Japan, has announced the launch of Leqembi (lecanemab) for the treatment of early Alzheimer’s disease in India, following marketing authorisation from the Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO).

In India, LEQEMBI is indicated for patients with Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) and mild dementia due to early Alzheimer’s disease, marking the introduction of this first-of-its-kind Disease-Modifying Therapy (DMT) in the country’s Alzheimer’s disease treatment landscape.

The launch comes amid a growing dementia burden in India, driven by an ageing population, late diagnosis, and limited awareness.

According to estimates cited in AIIMS–USC LASI study, in 2023 the estimated dementia prevalence in India for adults aged 60 plus is 7.4%. About 8.8 million Indians over the age of 60 are living with dementia. The number is projected to nearly double by 2036, highlighting a significant unmet need.

LEQEMBI has received approvals in several developed markets including the United States, Japan and across Europe, as well as select developing countries. Further, there is emerging real-world experience indicating the potential value of LEQEMBI in slowing disease progression and improving patient outcomes.

LEQEMBI (lecanemab) is a humanized monoclonal antibody that selectively targets aggregated amyloid-beta, enabling its clearance while reducing further deposition. It is approved for use in early-stage Alzheimer’s disease, including MCI and mild dementia.