Eisai Malaysia, the local affiliate of global research-based pharmaceutical company Eisai Co, Ltd., has introduced LEQEMBI (lecanemab), Malaysia’s first disease-modifying therapy (DMT) for Alzheimer’s disease. 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 is the first therapy in Malaysia that targets the underlying cause of Alzheimer’s disease by removing amyloid – a key hallmark of the disease.
By addressing amyloid pathology, LEQEMBI has been shown to slow disease progression, potentially giving patients more time to maintain their independence, quality of life, and the ability to continue doing the things they love most. The drug, which is approved for early symptomatic Alzheimer’s disease, received full approval from the National Pharmaceutical Regulatory Agency (NPRA) in January 2026.
Speaking at the launch, Ms Kam Ai Teng, Managing Director of Eisai Malaysia, shared the significance of this shift in treatment approach and how it marks a turning point in the way we think about Alzheimer’s disease.
“This marks a meaningful step forward for Alzheimer’s disease, where we move beyond symptom relief to actually slowing the disease progression itself,” said Ms Kam.
“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.”
The urgency behind that call is reflected in Malaysia’s own demographic realities. 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% – as the country moves toward becoming an ageing nation. The economic toll is already significant, with dementia estimated to cost Malaysia between RM7.9 billion and RM8.5 billion annually, representing nearly 0.5% of GDP when healthcare costs, lost productivity, and unpaid family caregiving are accounted for. Against this backdrop, a therapy that can slow disease progression carries consequences far beyond the clinic – for families, caregivers, and the healthcare system as a whole.
Beyond patients, Alzheimer’s disease also places a profound emotional, physical, and financial burden on families and caregivers, many of whom provide full-time, long-term care without formal support. 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 requires a coordinated, whole-of-society response – and that work is already underway. Malaysia’s National Dementia Action Plan (NDAP) 2023-2030, launched on 1 October 2024, 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 nationwide collaborative commitment composed of healthcare professionals, non-governmental organisations, and key stakeholders united in advancing dementia care and advocacy. As a unified cross-sector voice, DAMai works to build public awareness, strengthen early detection pathways in primary healthcare, and support caregivers through training and respite care.
Professor Tan Maw Pin, President of DAMai noted 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,” said Professor Tan.
Ms 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 about Eisai Malaysia and its commitment towards advancing healthcare and patient wellbeing, please visit https://eisaimal.com.my/.
