BIIB - Eisai Biogen will push for fast approval of another Alzheimer's candidate lecanemab

Eisai (OTCPK:ESALY -1.4%) will "seek the most optimal and expedited regulatory pathway forward for lecanemab," an Alzheimer's candidate under development with Biogen (BIIB -0.2%), according to Ivan Cheung, Eisai's (OTCPK:ESALF) head of neurology. Cheung made the comments today during the company's Q1 FY2021 earnings presentation. Like other Alzheimer's therapies in late-stage development, lecanemab targets reduction in amyloid plaque in the brain. In a note today, Jefferies analyst Michael Yee noted that while lecanemab has a plaque reduction effect similar to that seen with Eli Lilly's (LLY +5.4%) donanemab, it also has less side effects than Aduhelm (aducanumab) and doesn't require titration. In June, Eisai and Biogen won Breakthrough Therapy designation for lecanemab. The candidate is currently in phase 3 for preclinical Alzheimer's, with data on the primary endpoint expected in September 2022. Eisai also plans to develop a subcutaneous version of lecanemab this year in preparation for a phase 1

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Eisai, Biogen will push for fast approval of another Alzheimer's candidate, lecanemab