Eisai-Biogen Alzheimer's drug receives full U.S. approval

Eisai-Biogen Alzheimer's drug receives full U.S. approval

Treatment expected to spread rapidly with public medical insurance coverage

TOKYO/NEW YORK -- The U.S. Food and Drug Administration on Thursday officially approved lecanemab, an Alzheimer's disease treatment developed by Japanese drugmaker Eisai and American partner Biogen.

Lecanemab, marketed as Leqembi, is the first treatment proven to slow the progression of Alzheimer's. The drug is expected to be covered by public medical insurance, paving the way for wider use.