No Fast Track For Lecanemab In EU Disappoints Eisai

Approval Could Come March 2024

Despite being hailed as a potential breakthrough for Alzheimer’s, the EMA will not fast-track lecanemab, underscoring differences with the FDA’s frequent use of accelerated pathways.

EMA
Lecanemab could be approved in the European Union by March 2024 - well over a year after the US accelerated approval. • Source: Shutterstock

Eisai’s request for an accelerated assessment of its Alzheimer’s disease candidate lecanemab has been rejected by the European Medicines Agency, a blow to hopes of fast access to the treatment in the EU.

The drug has been tipped as a potential blockbuster for Eisai and its partner Biogen, but gaining full regulatory approval, then reimbursement and acceptance by physicians and patients in...

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