FDA approves Alzheimer's drug that appears to modestly slow disease

U.S. health officials approved Leqembi, a new Alzheimer's drug that modestly slows the brain disease. The FDA granted accelerated approval Friday for patients in early stages of Alzheimer's. (David Duprey/AP)

The Food and Drug Administration has approved a drug that may help people in the early stages of Alzheimer's maintain their mental abilities.

Lecanemab, which will be marketed as Leqembi, is likely to reach many more patients than a similar product, Aduhelm, which flopped after receiving a controversial approval in 2021.