Injectable Alzheimer’s Drugs Could Save Patients Trips To The Hospital

Last year’s approvals of Leqembi (Lecanemab) and Kisunla (Donanemab) have refreshed the landscape of Alzheimer’s disease treatments.

For the first time, patients have the option to take a drug that could slow the progression of the disease and give them valuable time and cognitive retention.

However, the drugs aren’t always easy to access.

They are both given as intravenous (IV) injection, meaning people need to travel once or twice a month for an infusion.

But this could soon change.

Esai, the drug company that makes Leqembi, has asked the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to approve a version of the drug that is given as a subcutaneous injection, ie a shot under the skin.

If patients could inject these drugs at home, this would be a game-changer.

Emerging injectable options for Alzheimer’s drugs, Leqembi and Kisunla, could make treatments more accessible by allowing at-home administration.

While patients will still need regular MRIs to monitor for potential side effects, the injectable version of the drugs may reduce the need for frequent hospital visits, saving time and effort for both patients and their carers.