July 30, 2025 The Alzheimer’s treatment landscape is entering a transformative era as biopharma companies adopt holistic approaches to address the complexity of the disease. Sparked by landmark drug approvals and a surge in investment, the industry is moving beyond traditional therapies to explore multi-faceted care solutions.
The approvals of Leqembi (by Eisai and Biogen) and Kisunla (by Eli Lilly) between 2023 and 2024 marked a pivotal turning point. Although these anti-amyloid antibody therapies offer limited efficacy and raised concerns over amyloid-related imaging abnormalities (ARIA), they have paved the way for a renewed commitment to innovation in Alzheimer’s care.
The impact is visible in the numbers: biopharma mergers and acquisitions (M&A) jumped from $2 billion in 2022 to $18 billion in 2024, reflecting a sharp uptick in investments aimed at diversifying treatment strategies.
Pharmaceutical giants such as Bristol Myers Squibb, Acadia Pharmaceuticals, Lundbeck, and Otsuka Pharmaceuticals are now developing treatments that go beyond amyloid-targeting to address mood disorders, cognition issues, and psychosis symptoms that often dictate long-term care decisions.
“We all are aware of how difficult neurodegenerative diseases are,” said Catherine Owen Adams, CEO of Acadia Pharmaceuticals. “So many patients are affected by Alzheimer’s globally. I think this is the right time to at least begin to mitigate a few of these symptoms. The mood and cognitive challenges related to Alzheimer’s are the main reason for patients being admitted for long-term care.”
The need for a continuum of care is becoming increasingly clear. With over 55 million people worldwide living with dementia as of 2020 a number projected to reach 78 million by 2030 according to Alzheimer’s Disease International biopharma’s role in shaping new care models is more vital than ever.
While Leqembi and Kisunla have opened the door, the next phase involves identifying molecules that can slow disease progression, improve patient quality of life, and address unmet mental health needs. These efforts underscore a growing trend: drugs must not only target disease biology but also support the broader emotional and cognitive well-being of patients.
As Alzheimer’s continues to rise, the biopharma industry’s holistic pivot signals a new chapter in treating one of the world’s most challenging neurodegenerative diseases.
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