Lecanemab belongs to a class of drugs called monoclonal antibodies. These antibody-mediated drugs target beta amyloid, the protein deposition that is seen in patients with Alzheimer’s disease, and disrupts cells function.
Amyloid plaques have thought to be an important target for treatment in Alzheimer’s. This class of drugs does precisely that. Antibodies may play an important role in the immune system's response against pathogens by binding to foreign substances such as viruses.
Lecanemab have shown modest effects in early dementia both via clinical improvements and reduction in amyloid plaques. It may also cause complications such as brain swelling and haemorrhages, similar to the previously tested aducanumab.