Eisai withdraws NDA for mecobalamin ultra-high dose preparation as treatment for ALS

The application package submitted was not sufficient for approval.

On 27 May 2015, Eisai submitted a new drug application for mecobalamin seeking approval as a treatment for ALS. As a result of meetings with the Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Agency (PMDA), the application package submitted was not sufficient for approval, and therefore Eisai has withdrawn the application. Eisai will carefully reconsider the future development strategy for mecobalamin after consultation with the regulatory authority.

ALS is an intractable, progressive, neurodegenerative disease that causes severe muscle atrophy and weakness in the muscles. With treatment options currently limited, this is a disease with significant unmet medical need. Eisai considers neurology a therapeutic area of focus and is committed to new drug development in this field to fulfil unmet medical needs in neurology and further contribute to increasing the benefit for patients and their families.