An expert panel at Japan's health ministry has approved a new drug to treat Alzheimer's disease.
It is the first time that the panel has endorsed an Alzheimer's drug that targets a specific cause of the disease.
The experts made the decision at a meeting on Monday. They said they have confirmed the effectiveness of the drug named lecanemab, which was jointly developed by Japanese firm Eisai and its US partner Biogen.
The experts also said there are no serious safety concerns.
The drug is designed to slow the progression of the disease by reducing the accumulation of amyloid beta protein in the brain.
Eisai applied for the ministry's approval in January. The ministry designated the drug as an item that should be given screening priority.
The drug can be produced and sold in Japan after it is granted the ministry's formal approval.
It is the first time that the panel has endorsed an Alzheimer's drug that targets a specific cause of the disease.
The experts made the decision at a meeting on Monday. They said they have confirmed the effectiveness of the drug named lecanemab, which was jointly developed by Japanese firm Eisai and its US partner Biogen.
The experts also said there are no serious safety concerns.
The drug is designed to slow the progression of the disease by reducing the accumulation of amyloid beta protein in the brain.
Eisai applied for the ministry's approval in January. The ministry designated the drug as an item that should be given screening priority.
The drug can be produced and sold in Japan after it is granted the ministry's formal approval.
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Summary
Japanese health ministry panel approves first Alzheimer's drug targeting disease cause, lecanemab. Developed by Eisai and Biogen, the drug slows progression by reducing amyloid beta protein accumulation in the brain. No serious safety concerns identified. Eisai applied for approval in January,
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ID: c5805283-a8b2-478c-b883-5678e9f0a1e1
Category ID: nhk
URL: https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20230822_01/
Date: Aug. 22, 2023
Created: 2023/08/22 08:44
Updated: 2025/12/09 00:49
Last Read: 2023/08/22 13:35