Pharm
Anti-Amyloid Beta Plaque Monoclonal Antibody
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Anti-Amyloid Beta Plaque Monoclonal Antibody
, Aducanumab, Aduhelm, Lecanemab, Leqembi
See Also
Dementia Management
Indications
Alzheimer's Disease
with Amyloid Beta
Plaque
Precautions
Aducanumab, the prototype, was FDA approved in 2021 with much controversy
FDA over-rode its own advisory committee's vote (10 against and 1 in favor) to not approve
Lecanemab was FDA approved via the accelerated approval pathway in 2023, with little better evidence
Medications
Aducanumab (Aduhelm)
Monoclonal Antibody
infused IV every 4 weeks at a cost of $28,200 to $56,000 per year
Lecanemab (Leqembi)
Monoclonal Antibody
infused IV every 2 weeks at a cost of $26,500 per year
Efficacy
May reduce amyloid beta
Plaque
, but does not appear to improve cognitive function
No significant clinically meaningful benefit, high risk of harm, and at cost >$20,000 per year
Ebell (2024) Ann Fam Med 22(1): 50-62 [PubMed]
Adverse Effects
Risk of CNS microhemorrhages and edema (NNH 13)
Requires 3 MRIs in first 12 to 18 months of use
References
(2023) Presc Lett 30(4): 24
(2021) Presc Lett 28(8): 43
Walsh (2021) BMJ 374:n1682 [PubMed]
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