The First Drug to Slow Alzheimer’s Disease Faces Slow Uptake and Access Challenges
Leqembi, the first drug shown to slow the progression of Alzheimer’s disease, has been on the market in the U.S. for over a year now. However, sales of the drug have been sluggish, with major hospital systems taking months to start using it. Some insurers have even rejected coverage for Leqembi, making access difficult for patients who could benefit from the treatment.
Doctors are concerned that some patients may hesitate to take Leqembi due to its limited impact and potential side effects. Although studies have shown that the drug can delay the progression of Alzheimer’s disease by a few months in those with mild symptoms, patients receiving Leqembi need regular brain scans to monitor for side effects such as brain swelling and bleeding.
Hospitals and health systems have needed time to implement systems for delivering Leqembi to patients, while insurance coverage for the drug, infusions, and scans is still being ironed out. Affordability remains a concern for some patients, with the cost of the treatment potentially being a barrier to access.
Meanwhile, the FDA is reviewing another potential treatment for Alzheimer’s disease, and researchers are exploring new approaches to treatment. Doctors emphasize the importance of early diagnosis and treatment of Alzheimer’s disease to maximize the effectiveness of drugs like Leqembi.
Overall, while Leqembi represents a significant advancement in Alzheimer’s treatment, challenges remain in terms of uptake and access. Efforts are ongoing to address these issues and ensure that all patients have access to potentially life-changing treatments for this devastating disease.
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