Eisai and Biogen have announced the US availability of Leqembi Iqlik, a once weekly subcutaneous autoinjector formulation of lecanemab irmb for initiation therapy in early Alzheimer’s disease. The treatment is approved for adults with mild cognitive impairment or mild dementia due to Alzheimer’s, collectively referred to as early AD.
Early AD represents the earliest symptomatic stage of the condition and may present with subtle signs such as forgetfulness, confusion or difficulty finding words. The companies said the new autoinjector provides an alternative to intravenous dosing from the outset of therapy.
For initiation, Leqembi Iqlik is administered as 500 mg once weekly via two consecutive 250 mg injections delivered in around 15 seconds. It may also be used for maintenance dosing at 360 mg once weekly after 18 months of IV or subcutaneous treatment.
Patients can receive Leqembi either as IV infusion or as subcutaneous injection throughout the treatment course and may switch between routes of administration. According to Eisai and Biogen, this flexibility is intended to support convenience for patients and care partners.
The companies said the availability of both initiation and maintenance dosing options may reduce time spent receiving anti‑amyloid therapy via IV infusions. At‑home administration also allows patients and care partners to continue treatment without the burden of clinic visits, making travel and daily planning easier.
Leqembi Iqlik may help reduce healthcare resources associated with IV dosing, including infusion preparation and nurse monitoring. These features could streamline the overall Alzheimer’s disease treatment pathway.
For ARIA monitoring, as with IV administration, brain magnetic resonance imaging is performed before treatment begins and at specified time points after initiation.
