#Sweden #Stockholm #Lecanemab #BioArctic #Lars Lannfelt

Professor Lars Lannfelt Honored with Prestigious Award

BioArctic AB, a leading biopharmaceutical company based in Sweden, has recently announced that its founder, Professor Lars Lannfelt, will receive the esteemed 2025 Hartwig Piepenbrock-DZNE Prize. This award recognizes Professor Lannfelt’s outstanding contributions to Alzheimer's disease research and his pivotal role in the development of lecanemab, a groundbreaking treatment.

The Hartwig Prize, presented by the German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE) in partnership with the Piepenbrock Group, is awarded every two years to those making significant advancements in neurodegenerative disorder studies. The ceremony for this honor is scheduled to take place in Bonn, Germany, this coming November.

In a heartfelt statement, Professor Lannfelt expressed his pride in receiving this prestigious award: "Being able to give hope and contribute to the treatment of patients affected by Alzheimer's disease is what has driven me throughout my research life," he stated, underscoring his dedication to improving the lives of those afflicted by this challenging condition.

The work that led to the creation of lecanemab stems from Professor Lannfelt’s groundbreaking discoveries concerning the role of amyloid-beta protein in the progression of Alzheimer's disease. Lecanemab, developed in collaboration with the Japanese pharmaceutical company Eisai, functions by binding to specific forms of amyloid-beta, facilitating their removal from the brain and thereby helping to alter the disease's course. The efficacy of lecanemab was notably demonstrated in the Phase 3 Clarity AD trial, which showed significant benefits for patients, marking a potential turning point in Alzheimer’s treatment.

Since its inception, BioArctic has focused on innovative approaches to treating neurodegenerative diseases. Founded in 2003 by Professor Lannfelt and his collaborator Pär Gellerfors, the company aims to develop transformative treatments that can halt or slow the progression of conditions like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease. With their proprietary BrainTransporter™ technology enhancing drug delivery to the brain, BioArctic's research portfolio is diverse and promising, covering various aspects of neurodegenerative diseases.

Professor Lannfelt’s previous work has laid a robust foundation for the scientific community to advance Alzheimer's research. He noted that we are witnessing a paradigm shift in the field, fueled by the advent of modern diagnostic methods and innovative treatment strategies. He remains optimistic, stating, “I am convinced that we are facing a paradigm shift where, in time, we will be able to offer not just a slowdown in the progression of the disease but eventually be able to halt the disease process.”

The history of the Hartwig Prize is noteworthy, remembering its namesake, Hartwig Piepenbrock, a former CEO and Chairman, who passed away after suffering from dementia. The award commemorates both his legacy and the ongoing journey to combat neurodegenerative diseases. The selection of prize winners is conducted by an international committee coordinated by DZNE, exemplifying a commitment to recognizing exceptional scientific contributions across the globe.

As we anticipate the award ceremony, it is clear that Professor Lannfelt’s achievements symbolize hope for countless individuals and families grappling with Alzheimer's disease today. His ongoing dedication to research promises not just advancements in treatment but an opportunity to fundamentally change the landscape of neurodegenerative disease management for future generations.

For more information about BioArctic, their research initiatives, and the developments pertaining to lecanemab, you can visit their official website at www.bioarctic.com. This news is significant not only for the scientific community but for all those touched by the devastating impacts of Alzheimer's disease.