FDA Approves an At-Home Starting Dose for Leqembi

By Joe Besnard

On July 13, 2026, the FDA approved a new way to start treatment with Leqembi (lecanemab), one of the newer drugs for early Alzheimer’s disease. Leqembi Iqlik, an injection given just under the skin, can now be used from the very first dose.

That means eligible patients can begin treatment at home, giving the injection themselves or with help from a caregiver. Before this, the starting doses had to be given by IV infusion, and patients could only move to at-home injections after 18 months.

What it could mean for families

Fewer trips to an infusion center can make a real difference for people living with Alzheimer’s and the family members who drive them. It’s another sign that treatment is moving forward and getting easier to access.

Leqembi isn’t right for everyone. It’s for people in the early stage of the disease, and it carries risks that need regular monitoring, including brain swelling or bleeding seen on MRI scans. Your doctor may recommend genetic testing before you start. If you or someone you love has early Alzheimer’s, ask a specialist whether it might be an option.

Learn more about current treatments from the Alzheimer’s Association.

This post is general information, not medical advice. Always talk with your own doctor or a qualified healthcare professional about diagnosis, screening and treatment.

Previous
Previous

FDA Clears a New Blood Test to Help Detect Alzheimer’s

Next
Next

(re)think your brain: A Free 6-Step Challenge for Brain Health