Japan approves first Alzheimer's treatment drug following US

Japan's Ministry of Health has approved the first Alzheimer's treatment drug.

Eisai Co.'s breakthrough Alzheimer’s disease drug won clearance from Japanese regulators after the medicine was fully cleared in the US in July.

Japan’s health ministry approved the use of Leqembi to suppress the progression of mild cognitive impairment and dementia, following the backing of a panel’s recommendation in August, Eisai said in a statement Monday. Eisai shares rose as much as 3.5% in afternoon trading in Tokyo, their biggest intraday climb since June.