A promising new Alzheimer's drug has been green-lit by the national medicines regulator, after two previous failed attempts to register it for use in Australia.

Lecanemab, sold under the brand name Leqembi, has been shown to clear amyloid plaque in the brain, which experts believe plays a role in Alzheimer's disease.

The drug is now registered for use by some patients with a diagnosis of mild cognitive impairment and mild dementia due to Alzheimer's disease.

It had already been approved in around 50 countries, including the US, UK and China.

Dementia is Australia's leading cause of death Photo shows A close-up shot of a hand resting on an elderly woman's hands.

Advocates warn the number of people with the condition could exceed 1 million without government intervention.

A phase-3

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