Eisai Malaysia, the local affiliate of global research-based pharmaceutical company Eisai Co Ltd, has introduced LEQEMBI (lecanemab), the country’s first disease-modifying therapy for early Alzheimer’s disease.
Approved by the National Pharmaceutical Regulatory Agency (NPRA), the central authority responsible for regulating pharmaceutical products in Malaysia, this immunotherapy targets and clears toxic amyloid plaques in the brain to slow cognitive decline.
For more than three decades, Alzheimer’s disease treatments have been limited to symptom management and did not address the underlying disease process itself. LEQEMBI targets the underlying cause of Alzheimer’s disease by removing amyloid to slow disease progression, giving patients more time to maintain their daily independence.
Speaking at the launch, Eisai Malaysia managing director Kam Ai Teng said the introduction of the country’s first disease-modifying therapy marks a historic shift in Alzheimer’s management.
The new therapy marks a turning point by moving beyond symptom relief to actually slowing the underlying progression of the disease.
“This is especially important because Alzheimer’s disease begins long before visible symptoms appear. By the time many patients are diagnosed, significant changes have already occurred in the brain. Earlier identification now becomes even more critical in ensuring patients can benefit from medical advancements like this,” said Kam.
As the country moves toward becoming an ageing nation, the estimated number of Malaysians living with dementia is projected to rise to as many as 825,000 by 2050 – an increase of over 300%.
The economic toll is already significant, with dementia estimated to cost Malaysia between RM7.9 billion and RM8.5 billion annually.
Beyond patients, Alzheimer’s disease also places a profound emotional, physical and financial burden on families and caregivers. The progressive nature of the disease means caregiving demands intensify over time, making Alzheimer’s not only a medical condition, but a wider societal challenge.
Addressing this challenge, the National Dementia Action Plan (NDAP) 2023-2030 was officially launched on October 1, 2024. It charts a national course toward earlier screening, reduced stigma and stronger caregiver support
Driving the plan’s implementation on the ground is the Dementia Alliance Malaysia (DAMai), a collaborative coalition of healthcare professionals, NGOs and key stakeholders united in advancing dementia care and advocacy.
DAMai’s key focus areas include building public awareness, strengthening early detection pathways in primary healthcare, and supporting caregivers through training and respite care.
DAMai president Prof Tan Maw Pin said that scientific advancement must be matched with system readiness to translate into meaningful impact for patients.
“Medical innovation such as disease-modifying therapies represents real progress, but its impact depends on how prepared the healthcare ecosystem is to support early detection, diagnosis, and ongoing patient care. Collaboration across stakeholders will be essential to ensure patients and families can navigate the Alzheimer’s journey more effectively,” she said.
Kam highlighted Eisai’s long-term commitment to the field, saying, “Eisai has been at the forefront of Alzheimer’s disease research for decades, and LEQEMBI is the result of that sustained scientific dedication. But innovation alone is not enough – real impact comes from building the ecosystem around it.
“Through our ongoing partnership with DAMai and engagement with healthcare professionals, caregivers, and policymakers, we are committed to ensuring that this breakthrough reaches the patients who need it most, and that Malaysia is equipped to meet the growing challenges of dementia care.”
For more information, visit https://eisaimal.com.my/.
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