Eisai, Biogen's Leqembi Alzheimer's Drug Launches in China

Eisai and Biogen have introduced Leqembi (lecanemab) to the Chinese market, marking China as the third country to have access to this Alzheimer's disease treatment. The Chinese regulators approved Leqembi in January for addressing mild cognitive impairment due to Alzheimer's disease and mild Alzheimer's disease dementia.

The companies have announced that Leqembi will initially be available in the private market in China. The drug will be priced at CNY 2508 (approximately $345) per vial. This price setting contrasts sharply with its cost in other markets; in the United States, Leqembi is listed with an annual price of around $26,500, and in Japan, where it was introduced at the end of last year, it costs around JPY 2.98 million (about $18,542) per patient annually.

To support the introduction of Leqembi in China, Eisai has noted that a significant Chinese medical insurance company has developed a specialized healthcare insurance plan for Alzheimer's disease. This new plan includes partial coverage for the cost of Leqembi, aiming to make the treatment more accessible to patients.

In addition, Eisai has partnered with JD Health to create an online health platform named Yin Fa Tong. This platform features a dedicated dementia module that facilitates virtual consultations, which can precede face-to-face medical appointments. The platform also offers referrals to hospitals where patients can undergo the necessary diagnostic tests before starting Leqembi treatment. This digital initiative aims to streamline the patient journey from diagnosis to treatment, enhancing access and convenience for patients and caregivers.

This launch in China represents a significant step for Eisai and Biogen in expanding the global reach of Leqembi and addressing the growing need for innovative treatments for Alzheimer's disease.