LONDON, December 7, 2025: A new study suggests that lecanemab, an Alzheimer’s drug previously deemed too expensive for use by the National Health Service (NHS), could slow the progression of dementia by up to eight years, far exceeding earlier estimates from clinical trials. Researchers presented the findings at the Clinical Trials in Alzheimer’s Disease (CTAD) conference in San Diego, revealing that patients who began treatment with lecanemab early in the disease process experienced significantly slower cognitive decline. The drug, also known by its brand name Leqembi and developed by Japanese pharmaceutical company Eisai, targets amyloid protein buildup in the brain, which is believed to play a central role in Alzheimer’s disease progression.
The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) in the United Kingdom had previously ruled that lecanemab’s benefits were not sufficient to justify its high cost, concluding in June that the drug only delayed disease progression by a few months. However, the new analysis indicates that the therapy could extend the period between mild cognitive impairment and moderate Alzheimer’s disease by an average of 8.3 years for patients with low levels of amyloid who begin treatment early. The updated findings also included data on an injectable version of lecanemab designed for at-home use.
The new formulation, delivered through an auto-injector, could eliminate the need for intravenous infusions typically administered in hospital settings. Researchers said this could make treatment more accessible for patients and reduce pressure on healthcare facilities already managing a rising number of dementia cases. Dr. Richard Oakley, Associate Director of Research and Innovation at Alzheimer’s Society, described the new evidence as a significant step toward improving treatment outcomes for people living with Alzheimer’s disease.
Study links early treatment to stronger long-term outcomes
He said that the research demonstrated the potential benefits of starting therapy earlier in the disease course. He added that further analysis is needed to understand how slowing disease progression might affect patients’ ability to remain independent and manage daily activities over time. More than one million people in the UK are currently living with dementia, and approximately one-third are undiagnosed, according to Alzheimer’s Society data. Experts have emphasized that early detection and accurate diagnosis are crucial to ensure patients can benefit from emerging treatments such as lecanemab.
The new findings have reinforced calls for the NHS to enhance diagnostic capacity, given the growing number of people eligible for such therapies. Although lecanemab is not yet available through the NHS, its potential impact is being closely monitored by health authorities. NHS England estimated last year that introducing new Alzheimer’s treatments could cost between £500 million and £1 billion annually, depending on uptake and delivery methods. The NHS is currently reviewing infrastructure and resources to prepare for the possible rollout of disease-modifying therapies for dementia patients.
Experts emphasize importance of accurate diagnosis
Alzheimer’s disease remains the most prevalent form of dementia, accounting for around two-thirds of all cases. It affects memory, thinking, and behavior, gradually impairing a person’s ability to function independently. The Alzheimer’s Society reports that one in three people born in the UK today will develop dementia during their lifetime, and projections indicate that approximately 1.4 million people could be living with the condition by 2040. The findings presented at the San Diego conference mark one of the most promising developments in Alzheimer’s research in recent years.
While challenges remain over cost and access, the data suggest that earlier and sustained treatment with lecanemab could significantly alter the course of the disease for many patients. As health systems worldwide grapple with an aging population and rising dementia rates, the results have renewed attention on the importance of early diagnosis and investment in effective treatment delivery, highlighting the growing urgency for global collaboration, equitable access, and long-term planning in dementia care. – By EuroWire News Desk.