Japan-headquartered Eisai has launched Leqembi (lecanemab) for the treatment of early Alzheimer’s disease, in India.The product is indicated for patients with Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) and mild dementia due to early Alzheimer’s disease, the company said, pointing to the ageing population, late diagnosis and limited awareness of dementia.Pricing is weight-based, and the product is priced at ₹21,682 per vial, with the total treatment cost varying based on the patient’s body weight and dosing requirements, an industry representative told businessline. While it has not been tested on Indian patients, the pivotal Phase III clinical trial enrolled more than 800 patients globally, and generated the efficacy and safety data supporting approval, the person said. As part of the Indian regulatory requirement, the company will conduct a Phase IV real-world study in India to generate post-launch efficacy and safety data in Indian patients, they added.About 8.8 million Indians over the age of 60 are living with dementia, a note from the company said, citing a study. The number is projected to nearly double by 2036, it added.“What is promising about LEQEMBI (lecanemab) is its ability to intervene early in the disease process. Identifying the right patient at the right time will be critical to maximizing outcomes,” said Ritesh Jain, Head of Commercial Operations, Eisai India. “Access and awareness remain critical barriers in Alzheimer’s disease care in India. Our support programmes are aimed at helping eligible patients initiate and continue therapy...,” Mr Takuya Kijima, Managing Director, Eisai India.Lecanemab is a humanized monoclonal antibody that selectively targets aggregated amyloid-beta, enabling its clearance while reducing further deposition, the company said. Further, it added, Leqembi works on a dual mechanism targeting both the removal of existing amyloid-beta plaques and the prevention of new plaque formation, a key pathological hallmark of Alzheimer’s disease.Lecanemab has been approved in 53 countries and regions including Japan, the United States, China, Europe, South Korea, Taiwan, and Saudi Arabia, and is under regulatory review in 6 countries.India distributionEisai and Biogen have been collaborating on the joint development and commercialization of AD treatments since 2014, the company said. “Eisai serves as the lead of LEQEMBI development and regulatory submissions globally with both companies co-commercializing and co-promoting the product and Eisai having final decision-making authority,” it said, adding that Eisai Pharmaceuticals India Pvt Ltd was responsible for the distribution of LEQEMBI in India.Published on August 3, 2026