Eisai Anticipates Growth Acceleration for Alzheimer’s Drug Leqembi Despite Slow Initial Uptake

Leqembi generated global sales of approximately $87 million in Q3 of Eisai's 2024 fiscal year, with $51 million from the U.S. market5.

Eisai reports 13,500 patients are now receiving Leqembi in the U.S., with over 3,000 prescribers and 1,200 medical institutions purchasing the drug5.

The company expects a "growth expansion phase" for Leqembi, citing improvements in blood-based diagnostics and progress toward easier dosing formats5.

Eisai recently received FDA approval for a maintenance dosing schedule of once every four weeks, compared to the original biweekly dosing5.

The use of amyloid beta PET testing increased by 45% in the last quarter of 2024 compared to the previous quarter, indicating growing awareness of early Alzheimer's diagnosis5.

Eisai is working to expand infusion capacity for Leqembi in response to increasing patient demand5.

The company is focusing on educating primary care physicians to improve the quality of patient referrals for Leqembi treatment5.

Eisai maintains its 12-month sales target of 42.5 billion yen ($279 million) for Leqembi5.

The drug is showing faster growth in markets outside the U.S., particularly in Japan and China5.

Eisai emphasizes Leqembi's dual-action profile, targeting both amyloid plaque and protofibrils, as a potential advantage over competitors5.

Sources:

5. https://www.fiercepharma.com/pharma/eisai-execs-flag-leqembi-expansion-phase-horizon-alzheimers-med-continues-grow-steadily