A New Step Forward in Alzheimer’s Care
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved Leqembi IQLIK™ (lecanemab-irmb), the first at-home injection option for early Alzheimer’s disease. This once-weekly subcutaneous treatment follows completion of the initial 18 months of IV lecanemab and provides patients with a more convenient way to continue therapy while maintaining proven results.
Leqembi IQLIK will be available in the U.S. beginning October 6, 2025.
As a neurologist specializing in cognitive, memory, and movement disorders, I see firsthand how challenging Alzheimer’s can be for patients and families. Every step forward matters — and this new treatment option is a meaningful one.
What Is Leqembi IQLIK™?
Leqembi (lecanemab) is a disease-modifying therapy for Alzheimer’s that targets amyloid protein in the brain. Until now, patients received the medication through IV infusions every two weeks.
The newly approved Leqembi IQLIK™ is an autoinjector that delivers 360 mg under the skin once a week, with the injection lasting only about 15 seconds. This offers patients and families more flexibility and independence while continuing their treatment.
Why This Matters for Patients and Families
For those living with early Alzheimer’s, this FDA approval is significant:
- Weekly injection, just 15 seconds
- Same proven results as IV infusions
- Safer and more convenient—fewer clinic visits, more independence
- Available October 6, 2025
This new option is not a cure, but it represents meaningful progress in slowing the progression of Alzheimer’s disease and improving the quality of life for patients and caregivers.
Who Is Eligible for Leqembi IQLIK™?
Leqembi IQLIK™ is approved as a maintenance treatment for patients who:
- Have early Alzheimer’s disease (mild cognitive impairment or mild dementia due to Alzheimer’s)
- Have confirmed amyloid pathology
- Have completed the initial 18 months of IV lecanemab therapy
Patients should consult with their neurologist to determine whether transitioning to the at-home injection is the best option.
Safety and Monitoring
As with IV lecanemab, the injection form carries some risks. The most important is Amyloid-Related Imaging Abnormalities (ARIA), which requires MRI monitoring at intervals determined by the care team.
Other safety notes:
- Injection-site reactions (such as redness or mild discomfort) may occur
- Systemic infusion-related reactions appear less frequent with the subcutaneous form compared to IV
- Patients who carry two copies of the APOE ε4 gene may have a higher risk of ARIA and should discuss this with their neurologist
Practical Details
- Form: Subcutaneous autoinjector
- Dose: 360 mg once weekly
- Administration time: ~15 seconds per injection
- Availability: October 6, 2025 (U.S.)
Frequently Asked Questions
Will Medicare or insurance cover Leqembi IQLIK™?
Coverage will vary by plan. Medicare is expected to provide coverage, and financial assistance programs may be available.
Can patients start directly with the injection?
No. Leqembi IQLIK™ is approved only as a maintenance option after 18 months of IV treatment.
Does the injection work as well as the IV?
Yes. Data show that the weekly injection maintains the same drug exposure and biomarker improvements as the IV. Clinical outcome data after switching are still being collected, but current evidence is supportive.
When will it be available?
Leqembi IQLIK™ will be available in the U.S. beginning October 6, 2025.
Moving Forward with Hope
The approval of Leqembi IQLIK™ represents an important step toward making Alzheimer’s treatment more accessible, convenient, and patient-centered. At Neurology One, we are committed to guiding patients through these new options with compassion and expertise.
If you or a loved one is living with early Alzheimer’s, talk to your neurologist about whether Leqembi IQLIK™ may be right for you.
By Dr. Lourdes Benes, Board-Certified Neurologist with Fellowship Training in Cognitive & Memory Disorders and Movement Disorders, Neurology One.
