Advancements in Early Alzheimer’s Treatment: Narrative Review about Lecanemab (Leqembi ®)

Alzheimer's disease represents one of the most significant challenges in the field of neurology, affecting millions of individuals worldwide. In pursuing efficacious treatments, lecanemab has emerged as a promising therapeutic option. This pioneering monoclonal antibody targets and reduces amyloid-beta plaques in the brain, a defining feature of Alzheimer's disease. By addressing one of the fundamental causes of the disease, lecanemab represents a novel approach to slowing its progression. On 14th November 2024, the Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use (CHMP) adopted a positive opinion, recommending granting marketing authorisation for Leqembi® (whose active substance is lecanemab). This recommendation is specifically directed towards patients with early-onset Alzheimer's disease who are non-carriers or heterozygotes for the apolipoprotein E ε4 (ApoE ε4) allele, thereby underscoring the drug's efficacy tailored to specific genetic profiles (Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use, 2024). The CHMP's approval is a testament to the extensive research and clinical trials that have demonstrated the efficacy and safety of Leqembi® (Lecanemab). This narrative review aims to provide a comprehensive examination of these aspects and offer a detailed understanding of the potential impact of this treatment on the management of early Alzheimer's disease.