Leqembi (lecanemab-irmb) is a prescription drug that treats Alzheimer’s disease by removing certain proteins to reduce plaques in your brain. Your response to this drug may vary based on your medical history and diagnosis.
The cause of Alzheimer’s disease isn’t fully understood, but it involves brain changes. One of these changes is the formation of plaques in your brain. These plaques occur from a buildup of a protein called amyloid beta.
Leqembi contains the active drug lecanemab-irmb.* It’s a biologic drug and belongs to a class of medications called monoclonal antibodies. (Biologics comprise parts of living cells.) Specifically, Leqembi belongs to a drug class called amyloid beta-directed antibodies. It works by targeting amyloid beta proteins and removing them from your body. This helps reduce the number of plaques in your brain.
Studies showed that Leqembi reduced amyloid beta plaques in the brains of adults with mild Alzheimer’s disease. One of these studies also showed that the drug may help slow the progression of cognitive decline from Alzheimer’s by a few months.
Your doctor may use tests to check whether your ability to think declines while taking the drug. They can provide more information on how they’ll monitor whether Leqembi works for you.
* The reason “-irmb” appears at the end of the drug’s name is to show that the drug is distinct from similar medications that may be created in the future.
It’s not known exactly how long it takes for Leqembi to work. Your doctor may use imaging tests, such as a PET scan, to help determine how well it works.
In studies of the drug, PET scans helped measure the buildup of beta-amyloid protein in the brain. These trials showed that Leqembi reduced plaques in the brains of adults with mild Alzheimer’s disease. It can take several months for the drug to reach its full effect.
If you have questions about what to expect from your Leqembi treatment, talk with your doctor.
Disclaimer: Healthline has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.