Initial real-world experience with lecanemab prescribing patterns in Japan: The Longevity Improvement & Fair Evidence (LIFE) Study.

INTRODUCTION

Lecanemab, an anti-amyloid-beta antibody, is approved in over 40 countries. Patient demographic data exist for the US but are limited elsewhere. This study examined early real-world lecanemab use in Japan.

METHODS

Using claims data from 18 municipalities, we identified patients prescribed lecanemab between December 2023 and September 2024. The study outcome was the discontinuation rate, with discontinuation defined as a ≥42-day prescription gap. Covariates included age, sex, long-term care certification, municipality size, comorbidities, Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) score, and Clinical Dementia Rating (CDR).

RESULTS

We identified 123 lecanemab recipients (median age: 76 years, interquartile range: 73-79 years; women: 73.2%). Most had mild impairment: 60.9% with MMSE ≥24 and 79.3% with CDR 0.5. The discontinuation rate was 1.04/100 person-months, with most occurring within 1.5 months.

DISCUSSION: In this first Asian report, lecanemab was mainly prescribed to older women with milder cognitive impairment. Early discontinuation may reflect cautious adoption in Japan.