Canada's Drug Agency recognizes the clinical value of LEQEMBI ® in slowing Alzheimer's progression and helping keep patients in earlier stages of disease for longer
MISSISSAUGA, ON and TORONTO, July 16, 2026 /CNW/ -- Eisai Limited ("Eisai") and Biogen Canada Inc. are honoured to be one of the first countries in the world to receive a positive Health Technology Assessment recommendation for public reimbursement, as announced today by Canada's Drug Agency (CDA-AMC). This decision demonstrates that CDA-AMC recognizes the significant unmet need for a disease modifying treatment for early Alzheimer's disease (AD). It is clear that CDA-AMC listened to the extensive and consistent feedback from clinical experts, patients and stakeholders as well as the review of new 48-month data which demonstrates the benefits of continuous treatment with LEQEMBI. This represents a historic milestone, supports equitable access for patients, and brings eligible Canadians one step closer to accessing the first treatment approved in Canada that targets the underlying biology of Alzheimer's disease (AD) and may help keep patients in the earlier stages of disease for longer.1,2
The positive recommendation overturns the CDA-AMC's previous draft recommendation, incorporating the evidence and stating that "lecanemab is likely to provide meaningful benefit in addressing some unmet needs in early Alzheimer's disease such as delaying progression".3 One of the key takeaways from the CDA-AMC review of the 48-month data analysis was that it suggests "increasing treatment effect compared with earlier time points (18 and 36 months)",3 meaning that the treatment benefits of LEQEMBI increase over time.
People living in the earliest stage of AD, also known as mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is the phase prior to dementia, when individuals are usually still functioning independently and playing an active role in daily life, such as caring for grandchildren, volunteering or even acting as caregiver to their own partners.4
"We welcome CDA-AMC's recommendation, which underscores the significant value LEQEMBI brings to patients and highlights the urgent need for treatments that, for the first time, modify the course of early AD," said Pat Forsythe, Vice President & General Manager, Eisai Limited. "This recommendation reflects a shared commitment to improving Alzheimer's care and offers new hope to patients and families across most of the country. It also reflects the strong support of Canadians, whose voices continue to highlight the importance of expanding equitable access to new treatment options for those living with this disease."