LEQEMBI® Included in China's Innovative Drug List, Expanding Access to Alzheimer's Treatment

TOKYO and CAMBRIDGE, Mass., December 08, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) – Eisai Co., Ltd. and Biogen Inc. (Nasdaq: BIIB) have announced that their anti-Aβ protofibril antibody, LEQEMBI® (generic name: lecanemab, Chinese brand name: 乐意保®), has been added to the newly established “Commercial Insurance Innovative Drug List” by China’s National Healthcare Security Administration (NHSA). This inclusion represents a significant advancement in facilitating access to early Alzheimer's Disease (AD) treatments across China.

Overview of the Commercial Insurance Innovative Drug List

The Commercial Insurance Innovative Drug List is part of recent governmental policies aimed at enhancing the accessibility of innovative medicines in China. The list specifically addresses the healthcare coverage gap between the basic reimbursement system and innovative drugs that cater to considerable unmet medical needs.

The list will enable commercial insurance companies to negotiate coverage details directly with pharmaceutical firms, creating tailored insurance products centered on the approved drugs. The implementation of this list is set for January 1, 2026.

Market Impact and Patient Demographics

Eisai estimates that in 2024, approximately 17 million patients in China were living with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) or mild dementia due to Alzheimer's disease. This number is projected to rise with the country's aging population.

• LEQEMBI launched in China in June 2024.
• Eisai is leading the development and regulatory submissions for LEQEMBI worldwide, with Biogen participating in co-commercialization efforts.
• Eisai will manage distribution in China through specialized medical representatives.

Understanding LEQEMBI and Its Mechanism of Action

LEQEMBI is a humanized immunoglobulin gamma (IgG1) monoclonal antibody designed to target aggregated soluble (protofibril) and insoluble forms of amyloid-beta (Aβ), a key player in the progression of Alzheimer's Disease. Protofibrils are believed to contribute significantly to neuronal damage associated with AD, impacting cognitive function through various harmful mechanisms.

By lowering protofibril levels, LEQEMBI aims to mitigate neuronal damage and stave off cognitive decline in AD patients.

About the Development and Collaboration

Eisai and Biogen have been collaborating since 2014 on the joint development and commercialization of Alzheimer's Disease treatments. This partnership is crucial as Eisai leads global development and regulatory submissions, with Biogen actively participating in co-promotion efforts.

Additionally, since 2005, Eisai and BioArctic have collaborated on the development of AD treatments, resulting in Eisai acquiring global rights to lecanemab in 2007.

Looking Ahead

As the landscape of Alzheimer's Disease treatment evolves, the inclusion of LEQEMBI in China's Innovative Drug List underscores both companies’ commitment to addressing significant treatment gaps in this area. The anticipated changes in insurance coverage will potentially improve the quality of life for millions affected by Alzheimer's in China.

Contacts for Further Information

• Eisai Co., Ltd.
  • Public Relations Department: +81 (0)3-3817-5120
  • Investor Relations Department: +81 (0)3-3817-5122
• Biogen Inc.
  • Madeleine Shin: +1-781-464-3260
  • Investor Relations: +1-781-464-2442

LEQEMBI and its implications for early Alzheimer's treatment in China exemplify ongoing developments within the pharmaceutical industry, particularly for companies like Biogen (NASDAQ: BIIB) committed to addressing serious health issues.