FDA Decision to Fast Track Consideration of Subcutaneous Leqembi is Good News for Alzheimer’s Patients

Approval would lower a significant burden for patients and providers.

Washington, DC (May 14, 2024) — Eisai and Biogen, the developers of the Alzheimer’s-slowing drug Leqembi, announced today that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) intends to fast track its consideration of the subcutaneous administration of this groundbreaking new treatment. UsAgainstAlzheimer’s chair and co-founder George Vradenburg issued the following statement in response: 

“It’s exciting to think that people in the early stages of Alzheimer’s may soon be able to manage their disease through a weekly shot, rather than having to endure infusions every two weeks. While they are effective, infusions are a time-consuming burden on patients and add an additional strain on our stretched healthcare system, where we are already experiencing a shortage of doctors treating dementia patients. We applaud the FDA for fast tracking its consideration of this new approach to Alzheimer’s treatment and are hopeful its approval will make this drug more accessible to patients who need it."