Lecanemab in AD: not a paradigm shift, but a small step forward

Lecanemab, the first disease-modifying therapy for Alzheimer’s disease, may have finally been approved; however, this does not end discussions on its clinical utility. Its efficacy is statistically solid, but evidence of clinical benefit seems “whisper thin.”

In a session on breakthroughs in neurology, Dr Matilde Bruno (University of Rome Tor Vergata, Italy) reflected on lecanemab and the future of monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) targeting amyloid-beta in general [1]. She reminded her audience that the EMA initially rejected lecanemab because its modest cognitive benefits were deemed not to outweigh the risks, in particular amyloid-related imaging abnormalities (ARIAs). Later, the EMA still granted approval, but the widespread adoption of mAbs targeting amyloid-beta is hindered by different factors, Dr Bruno argued.

First, strict eligibility criteria limit patient access. Lecanemab is approved for the treatment of adults in the early stages of AD who have one or no copies of the apolipoprotein E4 gene (ApoE4), and who have amyloid-beta plaques. Consequently, only a small proportion of patients qualify for treatment. Combining amyloid, clinical, and imaging criteria, eligibility ranged from 9% for aducanumab and 8% for lecanemab to 15% for donanemab [2]. Unequal access to diagnostics and disease-modifying therapies reflects significant inter- and intra-national healthcare disparities. Moreover, treatment centre requirements include diagnostic expertise, such as access to biomarker testing; infusion facilities, including rooms equipped with emergency response equipment; specialised neuroimaging (notably MRI) and radiologists trained to detect ARIAs; and the necessary monitoring infrastructure.

Dr Bruno also noted that marketing authorisation marks a pivotal shift: from rigorously selected trial populations to the very heterogeneous real-world patients. Post-marketing surveillance data are essential to bridge this translational gap and to capture the safety and efficacy of current and emerging Alzheimer’s disease therapies “in the wild.” The initial amyloid-centred approach prioritised biological targets over clinical context. This prompts a re-evaluation of the amyloid hypothesis, urging the development of person-centred care models that integrate disease heterogeneity, comorbidities, and patient goals.

1. Bruno M, et al. Rejection and approval: Lecanemab and the future of anti-amyloid treatments. SPS09_1, EAN Congress 2025, 21-24 June 2025, Helsinki, Finland.
2. Claus JJ, et al. Eur J Epidemiol. 2025;40(3):327-37.

 

Medical writing support was provided by Michiel Tent.

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Posted on 25 June 202525 June 2025