Ilsan Gospel Hospital to Start Prescribing Dementia New Drug 'Rekembi' from the 30th

A Path Opens for Dementia Drug Administration in Northern Gyeonggi

Ilsan Bokum Hospital, a medical corporation, announced that it began prescribing the early Alzheimer's disease drug "Leqembi" (generic name: lecanemab) starting from the 30th. This opens the door for patients in northern Gyeonggi Province, including Goyang City, to receive the dementia drug.

Ilsan Bokum Hospital, a medical corporation, began prescribing the new drug for early Alzheimer's disease, "Leqembi," starting from the 30th. Photo by Ilsan Bokum Hospital

By initiating the prescription of the dementia drug Leqembi ahead of surrounding medical institutions, Ilsan Bokum Hospital is expected to contribute to improving the quality of life for the elderly population in Goyang City and serve as an important turning point by providing new treatment opportunities for Alzheimer's patients and their caregivers.

With over 30 years of history as a key hospital in Goyang City, Ilsan Bokum Hospital is a medical institution that received a Grade 1 rating in the "Dementia Adequacy Evaluation" by the Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service under the Ministry of Health and Welfare. The hospital has established an integrated and systematic medical system to ensure the safe and prompt prescription of Leqembi.

Leqembi is a new drug that inhibits the accumulation of amyloid beta protein in the brain, slowing the progression of the disease. It is a therapeutic agent jointly developed by the American company Biogen and the Japanese company Eisai. It was approved by the U.S. FDA in July 2023 and was introduced domestically after receiving approval from the Korea Food and Drug Administration this year.

This treatment targets patients with mild cognitive impairment due to Alzheimer's disease and those in the early stages of dementia. Before treatment, suitability is assessed through cognitive function tests, MRI scans, amyloid beta protein tests via PET or cerebrospinal fluid, and APOE genotype testing. If deemed appropriate, intravenous injections are administered every two weeks for 18 months.

During treatment, regular MRI scans are required to prevent brain hemorrhage and brain edema.

Dr. Son Jeong-il, director of Ilsan Bokum Hospital, stated, "Dementia is a progressive disease that destroys the lives of patients and their caregivers. The new drug Leqembi is known to suppress the progression of dementia when administered early, so rapid testing and prompt prescription are essential if cognitive decline in a family member is suspected."

He added, "Ilsan Bokum Hospital, located in Goyang City, which has the highest elderly population in Gyeonggi Province, has introduced Leqembi prescriptions starting in Goyang to enable dementia patients in the surrounding areas to receive more effective treatment. We prioritize patient safety and will continue to provide comprehensive medical services encompassing prevention and treatment to improve the quality of life for dementia patients."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.