Eisai and Biogen have introduced a subcutaneous formulation of LEQEMBI, allowing patients with early Alzheimer’s disease to receive weekly injections at home via an auto-injector, eliminating the need for clinic-based intravenous infusions.
The therapy, branded LEQEMBI IQLIK, delivers lecanemab-irmb as a 500 mg weekly dose split into two 250 mg injections, each administered in approximately 15 seconds. After 18 months of prior intravenous or subcutaneous treatment, the maintenance dose reduces to 360 mg weekly. Patients may alternate between intravenous and subcutaneous administration throughout the regimen.
The subcutaneous option is indicated for adults with mild cognitive impairment or mild dementia due to Alzheimer’s. Eisai and Biogen noted that home administration is supported by a LEQEMBI Companion app, an instructional video, and the IQLIK Welcome Kit. Specialty pharmacies CareMed and Walgreens Specialty Pharmacy will assist with prescription fulfillment and insurance guidance.
Safety protocols mirror intravenous administration, requiring pre-treatment brain MRI scans to monitor for amyloid-related imaging abnormalities (ARIA). Subcutaneous dosing primarily caused injection-site reactions, including erythema, hardening, swelling, and pain—most commonly after the first dose. Severe localized reactions and cases requiring dose interruption were reported. LEQEMBI carries a boxed warning for ARIA, which can lead to serious events such as seizures or status epilepticus, and is contraindicated in patients with severe hypersensitivity to lecanemab-irmb.
Eisai leads global development and regulatory submissions for lecanemab, while both companies jointly commercialize the product. Eisai’s Patient Assistance Program will provide LEQEMBI and LEQEMBI IQLIK at no cost to eligible uninsured patients meeting financial need criteria.
Biogen’s shares closed 1.13% higher at $216.78 on August 21, following the announcement.
