BioArctic AB's partner Eisai announced that Leqembi (lecanemab) has been included in the "Commercial Insurance Innovative Drug List," recently introduced by the National Healthcare Security Administration (NHSA) of China. The inclusion of Leqembi in this list marks a meaningful step toward expanding access to early Alzheimer's Disease (AD) treatment in China.

The Commercial Insurance Innovative Drug List is based on new policies of the Chinese government to support the development and access of innovative medicines. The list aims to help narrow the coverage gap between the basic reimbursement system under the National Reimbursement Drug List (NRDL) and innovative medicines that address areas of significant unmet need. Based on the Commercial Insurance Innovative Drug List, commercial insurance companies will discuss and reach an agreement with pharmaceutical companies regarding coverage details and develop insurance products focusing on the listed medicines.

The Commercial Insurance Innovative Drug List is scheduled to take effect on January 1, 2026.

Eisai estimates that there were 17 million patients with Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) or mild dementia due to Alzheimer's disease in China in 2024, which is expected to increase with the aging of the population.

Eisai launched Leqembi in China in June 2024 and has delivered the product in the private market.

Leqembi is the result of a long-standing collaboration between BioArctic and Eisai, and the antibody was originally developed by BioArctic based on the work of Professor Lars Lannfelt and his discovery of the Arctic mutation in Alzheimer's disease. Eisai is responsible for the clinical development, applications for market approval and commercialisation of Leqembi for Alzheimer's disease. BioArctic has the right to commercialise Leqembi in the Nordic region together with Eisai and the two companies are preparing for a joint commercialisation in the region.