Canada's Drug Agency (CDA-AMC) has issued a draft recommendation to reimburse the anti-amyloid therapy lecanemab for early Alzheimer's disease, reversing its own earlier position. In February 2026, the agency's expert committee had recommended against public funding, citing an uncertain clinical benefit and high cost. Following a reconsideration in June, prompted by the sponsor Eisai and informed by new 48-month data and clinician and patient input, the committee now recommends reimbursement with conditions.
The draft limits treatment to adults with mild cognitive impairment or mild dementia due to Alzheimer's disease who are ApoE4 noncarriers or heterozygotes and have confirmed amyloid pathology. It requires specialist prescribing, MRI monitoring for amyloid-related imaging abnormalities, and confirmation of amyloid by PET or cerebrospinal fluid testing. It also requires a substantial price reduction, as the agency judged lecanemab not cost-effective at the submitted price.
The Alzheimer Society of Canada welcomed the draft while stressing that it does not by itself guarantee access. Its chief executive, Christina Scicluna, said the recommendation was "an important step toward improving access to treatment while reinforcing the need for health systems to be ready with clear guidance, appropriate monitoring, and meaningful support". The Society noted that access to specialists, diagnostics and infusion services varies across the country, and called for equitable implementation so that eligible Canadians can benefit regardless of geography or financial circumstance.
The draft is open for stakeholder feedback until 30 July 2026, ahead of a final recommendation.
Read the draft recommendation:
https://www.cda-amc.ca/sites/default/files/DRR/2026/SR0822_Leqembi_Draft_Recommendation.pdf
