BOSTON — Pharmaceutical company NeuroGen announced Tuesday that its experimental Alzheimer's drug, lecanezumab-plus, met all primary endpoints in a 4,200-patient Phase III trial, reducing cognitive decline by 45% compared to placebo over 18 months — a result that surpassed even the most optimistic analyst projections.
The drug, a next-generation monoclonal antibody that targets two distinct amyloid proteins simultaneously, also showed a meaningful reduction in the rate of brain atrophy and improved scores on daily living assessments.
Patient and Family Reactions
For the millions of families affected by Alzheimer's, the news brought cautious but genuine hope. "My mother has been on the trial for 14 months and the difference is visible," said one trial participant's daughter, who asked not to be named. "She remembered my daughter's birthday last week. She hasn't done that in three years."
NeuroGen said it would seek accelerated approval from the FDA within 60 days. The drug is expected to carry a list price of approximately $28,000 per year, raising immediate concerns about access and insurance coverage.
The Alzheimer's Association called the results "a watershed moment" but urged insurers and governments to develop reimbursement frameworks before approval.