Eisai Expects Leqembi® Sales to Reach JPY 76.5 Billion in FY 2025

Eisai's Sales Projections for Leqembi®

Eisai Co., Ltd., a partner of BioArctic AB (publ), has made a striking announcement regarding the anticipated sales figures for its Alzheimer's treatment, Leqembi® (lecanemab). For the fiscal year 2025, spanning from April 2025 to March 2026, the company expects revenues to soar to JPY 76.5 billion, approximately equivalent to SEK 5.1 billion. This projected revenue represents an impressive growth of 73% compared to the previous fiscal year.

This achievement is pivotal for both Eisai and BioArctic as it not only highlights the increasing demand for effective Alzheimer’s treatments but also promises lucrative returns for BioArctic through royalties, expected to be around SEK 510 million during the same financial period. The collaboration between Eisai and BioArctic has been robust since 2005, enhancing the development of Alzheimer’s disease treatments.

Collaborations and Commercialization Efforts

Eisai primarily oversees the global development and regulatory approval processes of Leqembi, alongside its co-commercialization efforts with Biogen, which reflects their combined expertise and resources in the market. Under this partnership, Eisai holds the final decision-making power. BioArctic is also positioned to commercially introduce Leqembi in the Nordic countries, collaborating with Eisai to ensure a successful launch in this region.

BioArctic is scheduled to report its first-quarter financial performance for 2025 on May 21, which will provide further insights into the financial implications of this growth. The excitement around Leqembi is bolstered by its recent regulatory approvals across multiple key markets, including the U.S., Japan, and Europe, further validating its role as a significant treatment option for mild cognitive impairment due to Alzheimer’s.

Clinical Efficacy and Safety Results

The buzz around Leqembi is not just about revenue projections; it also stems from its clinical efficacy in reducing cognitive decline. The approvals in various countries were largely based on positive outcomes from the Clarity AD Phase 3 clinical trial. In this study, which included 1,795 participants, treatment with lecanemab demonstrated a 31% reduction in clinical decline compared to a placebo, as assessed by the Clinical Dementia Rating-Sum of Boxes (CDR-SB).

Additionally, data collected from caregivers also indicated a 33% lower decline in daily activities for patients treated with lecanemab versus those who received placebo, further emphasizing the drug's potential in managing Alzheimer's symptoms effectively. However, potential side effects, such as infusion-related reactions and headache, were noted, reminding health professionals to monitor patient responses closely.

Future Prospects and Research Initiatives

As Eisai moves forward, they plan to submit applications for lecanemab’s approval in additional territories, showcasing their commitment to expanding access to this innovative therapy. In January 2025, the FDA approved supplemental applications for lecanemab maintenance dosing, showcasing the growing confidence in the treatment regimen.

Research into lecanemab continues, evidenced by ongoing clinical studies like AHEAD 3-45, which focuses on patients with preclinical Alzheimer’s, and the Tau NexGen study targeting dominantly inherited Alzheimer’s disease. These continuations of research endeavor to broaden the therapeutic applications of lecanemab, solidifying its role in Alzheimer’s treatment arsenal.

Ongoing collaborations also align with BioArctic’s research agenda, which includes developing treatments for other neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson’s disease and ALS, backed by their proprietary BrainTransporter™ technology. This strategic focus not only addresses Alzheimer’s treatment but also showcases their dedication to neuroscience as a whole.

Lastly, with the anticipated revenue milestone for the upcoming fiscal year and ongoing studies, Eisai’s maneuvers reflect a proactive strategy in the evolving landscape of Alzheimer’s therapies. The future of Leqembi® seems promising both in terms of scientific advancement and market potential, setting a hopeful trajectory for those affected by Alzheimer's disease.