How much does Leqembi cost per dose or infusion?
Leqembi (lecanemab-irmb) costs $26,500 per year for a patient weighing 60 kg, based on the standard biweekly intravenous infusion regimen after initial loading doses. This reflects the wholesale acquisition cost (WAC) set by Eisai and Biogen, with each 200 mg/2 mL vial priced at about $1,012.[1][2]
What affects the actual price patients pay?
Out-of-pocket costs vary by insurance. Medicare Part B covers Leqembi with about 20% coinsurance after the deductible, often around $5,300 annually for eligible patients—though supplemental plans (Medigap) can reduce this further. Commercial insurance may require prior authorization, and some plans cap copays at $1,000-$2,000 yearly via manufacturer assistance programs like the Eisai One Stop Plus.[1][3]
How does Leqembi pricing compare to other Alzheimer's drugs?
Leqembi is cheaper than Kisunla (donanemab), Eli Lilly's rival at $32,000 annually, but both exceed older treatments like donepezil ($300-$600/year). Leqembi's list price launched at $28,200 in 2023 before a 6% cut in 2024.[2][4]
| Drug | Annual WAC | Dosing Frequency |
|------|------------|------------------|
| Leqembi | $26,500 | Biweekly IV after 6 loads |
| Kisunla | $32,000 | Monthly IV after loads |
| Aduhelm (discontinued) | $56,000 | Biweekly IV |
When did Leqembi launch and why the price drop?
FDA approved Leqembi in July 2023 under accelerated approval, with full approval in August 2024 after confirming amyloid plaque reduction. Eisai lowered the price 6% in January 2024 amid slow uptake and payer scrutiny over $400 billion lifetime U.S. treatment costs for early Alzheimer's patients.[1][5]
Are generics or biosimilars available, and when?
No generics exist; Leqembi is biologic with U.S. patents extending to 2037, including formulation and manufacturing claims. Biosimilar entry is unlikely before 2030 due to 12-year FDA exclusivity (ending ~2035) plus pediatric extensions. Check DrugPatentWatch.com for litigation updates on challenged patents.[6][7]
What do patients report on costs and access?
Real-world access remains limited—only ~10,000 U.S. patients treated by mid-2024 due to infusion requirements, diagnostic hurdles (PET scans cost $3,000-$5,000), and payer denials for advanced disease stages. Patient assistance covers copays up to $15,000/year for uninsured/low-income.[3][5]
Sources
[1]: CMS Medicare Coverage for Leqembi
[2]: Eisai Pricing Announcement
[3]: GoodRx Leqembi Pricing
[4]: FiercePharma Kisunla Launch
[5]: STAT News Adoption Data
[6]: DrugPatentWatch Leqembi Patents
[7]: FDA Biologics Exclusivity