TIME Names Leqembi® Iqlik™ (lecanemab-irmb) a Best Innovation of 2025

STOCKHOLM – In a significant endorsement for Alzheimer’s treatment, Eisai, partner to BioArctic AB (publ) (Nasdaq Stockholm: BIOA B), announced today that Leqembi Iqlik, a subcutaneous autoinjector formulation of lecanemab, has been recognized by TIME as one of the ‘Best Inventions of 2025′ in the Medical and Healthcare category.

TIME’s prestigious annual list showcases 300 groundbreaking innovations poised to reshape lives across various sectors. The selection process for the 2025 list involved nominations from TIME editors and global correspondents, as well as an open online application process. Particular emphasis was placed on rapidly evolving fields such as healthcare and artificial intelligence. Each contender was meticulously evaluated based on factors including originality, efficacy, ambition, and overall impact on society.

Leqembi’s recognition underscores the potential of targeted amyloid-beta therapies in combating Alzheimer’s disease. The drug, a product of longstanding collaboration between BioArctic and Eisai, represents a significant step forward in addressing this devastating condition. The antibody was initially developed by BioArctic, leveraging the groundbreaking research of Professor Lars Lannfelt and his discovery of the Arctic mutation in Alzheimer’s disease. Eisai assumed responsibility for clinical development, regulatory approvals, and the commercialization of Leqembi on a global scale. BioArctic retains commercialization rights in the Nordic region, with joint commercialization efforts with Eisai underway.

The subcutaneous formulation, Leqembi Iqlik, offers a potentially more convenient administration route for patients. Moving away from the traditional intravenous infusions may improve patient compliance and ease the burden on healthcare systems. This innovation also hints at the trend toward personalized medicine, addressing varying patient needs and preferences.

“This recognition by TIME is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our scientists and partners at Eisai,” stated a BioArctic spokesperson. “We believe Leqembi Iqlik has the potential to significantly improve the lives of those affected by Alzheimer’s disease.”

Analysts at CNBC note that the inclusion of Leqembi Iqlik on TIME’s list could further boost investor confidence in BioArctic and Eisai. Shares of BIOA B on the Nasdaq Stockholm may see increased activity following this announcement. The pharmaceutical landscape is experiencing a renaissance in Alzheimer’s research, with multiple companies vying to bring innovative therapies to market. However, Leqembi stands out as one of the frontrunners, having secured approvals in key markets and demonstrated clinically meaningful outcomes in trials.

The commercial success of Leqembi hinges on several factors, including market access, pricing, and the ability to effectively diagnose and identify eligible patients. The development pipeline for Alzheimer’s treatments remains robust, suggesting that further breakthroughs are on the horizon. Leqembi’s initial success could pave the way for next-generation therapies, targeting different aspects of the disease pathology and offering even greater hope for those at risk.

Lecanemab is approved in 50 countries including the U.S., Japan, China, and the European Union for the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) in patients with Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) or mild dementia stage of disease (collectively referred to as early AD) and is under regulatory review in 10 countries. Leqembi Iqlik™ is approved for subcutaneous injection for maintenance dosing for the treatment of early Alzheimer’s disease in the US. Following the initial phase with treatment every two weeks for 18 months, intravenous (IV) maintenance dosing with treatment every four weeks is approved in China, the U.S. and others, and applications have been filed in 9 countries and regions.

Since July 2020, Eisai’s Phase 3 clinical study (AHEAD 3-45) with lecanemab in individuals with preclinical Alzheimer’s disease, meaning they are clinically normal and have intermediate or elevated levels of amyloid in their brains, is ongoing. The study was fully recruited in October 2024. AHEAD 3-45 is a four-year study conducted as a public-private partnership between Eisai, Biogen and the Alzheimer’s Clinical Trial Consortium that provides the infrastructure for academic clinical trials in Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias in the U.S., funded by the National Institute on Aging, part of the National Institutes of Health. Since January 2022, the Tau NexGen clinical study for Dominantly Inherited AD (DIAD), that is conducted by Dominantly Inherited Alzheimer Network Trials Unit (DIAN-TU), led by Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, is ongoing and includes lecanemab as the backbone anti-amyloid therapy.

Since 2005, BioArctic has a long-term collaboration with Eisai regarding the development and commercialization of drugs for the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease. The most important agreements are the Development and Commercialization Agreement for the lecanemab antibody, which was signed 2007, and the Development and Commercialization agreement for the antibody Leqembi back-up for Alzheimer’s disease, which was signed 2015. In 2014, Eisai and Biogen entered into a joint development and commercialization agreement for lecanemab. Eisai is responsible for the clinical development, application for market approval and commercialization of the products for Alzheimer’s disease. BioArctic has the right to commercialize lecanemab in the Nordic region and is currently preparing for commercialization in the Nordics together with Eisai. BioArctic has no development costs for lecanemab in Alzheimer’s disease and is entitled to payments in connection with regulatory approvals, and sales milestones as well as royalties on global sales.

BioArctic AB (publ) is a Swedish research-based biopharma company focusing on innovative treatments that can delay or stop the progression of neurodegenerative diseases. The company invented Leqembi® (lecanemab) – the world’s first drug proven to slow the progression of the disease and reduce cognitive impairment in early Alzheimer’s disease. Leqembi has been developed together with BioArctic’s partner Eisai, who are responsible for regulatory interactions and commercialization globally. In addition to Leqembi, BioArctic has a broad research portfolio with antibodies against Parkinson’s disease and ALS as well as additional projects against Alzheimer’s disease. Several of the projects utilize the company’s proprietary BrainTransporter™ technology, which has the potential to actively transport antibodies across the blood-brain barrier to enhance the efficacy of the treatment. BioArctic’s B share (BIOA B) is listed on Nasdaq Stockholm Large Cap.