Alzheimer’s Disease : First Approved Treatment in Canada -

Canada has reached a historic milestone by approving lecanemab (Leqembi), the first treatment in the country capable of slowing the progression of Alzheimer’s disease. Designed for use in the early stages, this breakthrough offers new hope by directly targeting amyloid plaques an unprecedented approach in the fight against this devastating condition.

Health Canada Authorizes Lecanemab: A First for Alzheimer’s Disease

In October 2025, Health Canada granted a conditional Notice of Compliance (NOC/c) for lecanemab, also known as Leqembi. The treatment is intended for adults with mild cognitive impairment or mild Alzheimer’s-related dementia, provided they do not carry two copies of the ApoE ε4 gene and have confirmed evidence of amyloid deposits.

This is the first treatment in Canada to address a core driver of the disease (amyloid-β aggregates) rather than focusing solely on symptoms. Clinical trials, including the Clarity AD study, have shown that Leqembi slows both cognitive and functional decline.

According to experts such as Dr. Robert Laforce, this marks a major breakthrough. However, Health Canada is still requiring additional data to verify long-term benefits, which is why the treatment has been granted conditional approval.

How Lecanemab Works to Slow Alzheimer’s Progression

Lecanemab (Leqembi) is a monoclonal antibody that specifically targets both soluble (protofibrils) and insoluble forms of amyloid-β protein in the brain. By binding to these harmful aggregates, it promotes their clearance and gradually reduces amyloid buildup.

Clinical studies particularly the Phase III Clarity AD trial demonstrate that this mechanism leads to a noticeable reduction in cognitive decline, memory loss, impaired reasoning, and difficulties with daily activities. The treatment slows progression by 27% to 30%, equivalent to a delay of roughly 10 to 13 months in individuals in the early stages of the disease, though it does not cure Alzheimer’s.

In other words, by addressing a root cause instead of only treating symptoms, lecanemab helps preserve cognitive abilities for a longer period. Several countries including the United States, the United Kingdom, Japan, Mexico, and China have already approved the treatment, and it is currently under review in many others, reflecting widespread confidence in its potential.

Who Can Receive This Treatment and What Challenges Remain

While the approval of lecanemab represents renewed hope, its use is strictly limited to patients in the early stages of Alzheimer’s disease, highlighting the importance of early diagnosis. According to Health Canada, only individuals with mild cognitive impairment or mild Alzheimer’s-related dementia are eligible.

Health Canada has further restricted access to individuals who do not carry two copies of the APOE ε4 gene. People who are homozygous for this gene have a significantly higher risk of side effects such as brain swelling or micro-haemorrhages (ARIA), as observed in clinical research.

Cost could also limit access. While Canadian pricing has not yet been announced, in the U.S. the treatment costs about US$26,500 per year. In addition, bi-weekly intravenous infusions and ongoing MRI monitoring present logistical challenges, especially in remote or underserved regions.

Ultimately, while lecanemab is a significant advancement, its real impact will depend on healthcare system capacity (diagnostic tools, MRI access, infusion services), financial accessibility, and the ability to identify eligible patients early.

The approval of lecanemab marks a major step forward in Canada’s fight against Alzheimer’s disease. By specifically targeting amyloid deposits, it offers genuine hope for patients in the early stages. However, strict eligibility criteria and the need for close monitoring present logistical and financial challenges that could limit widespread access.