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Is an ageing population really a boon for pharma stocks?

The adage suggests older populations support drug companies and cruise lines – but the reality is more nuanced than that
November 10, 2023
  • Take-up of Alzheimer's drugs expected to pick up in the US
  • Over-60s to make up a much bigger share of global population

The Alzheimer’s drug lecanemab, sold under the brand name Leqembi, has been hailed as one of the most significant pharmaceutical breakthroughs in recent history. Prior to the drug’s approval by the US Food and Drug Administration earlier this year, there were virtually no treatments available that could slow the progression of the disease.

Yet despite the drug’s potential, shares in its co-developers, Biogen (US:BIIB) and Eisai (JP:4523), are down 6 per cent and 8 per cent, respectively, in the past month. The problem seems to be that sales of Leqembi have yet to reach an anticipated inflection point.

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