Japan approves Alzheimer treatment Leqembi by Eisai and Biogen

(Reuters) – Japan’s Eisai (4523.T) said on Monday the country’s health ministry had approved its Alzheimer treatment Leqembi, co-developed with U.S.-based Biogen (BIIB.O).

The development comes after a health ministry panel recommended the drug’s approval in August, followed by standard approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in July.

The drug is the first treatment shown to slow progression of the disease for people in the earlier stages of Alzheimer’s.