Sales of the first drug proven to slow the progression of Alzheimer’s disease in the U.S. have been disappointing since its release over a year ago. Leqembi, the drug developed by Biogen, has faced challenges in gaining traction among major hospital systems and insurers.
Despite being the first drug to show promise in slowing down the debilitating disease, Leqembi’s impact has been limited and has potential side effects that have caused hesitation among patients. Doctors believe it will take years to determine the best way to deploy the drug and improve diagnosis for Alzheimer’s patients.
With more than 6 million Americans and millions worldwide suffering from Alzheimer’s disease, the need for effective treatments is urgent. Leqembi has the ability to delay the progression of the disease by a few months, but the subtle effects may not be noticeable to patients. Additionally, the drug can cause brain swelling and bleeding, necessitating regular brain scans for monitoring.
Major hospital systems have taken time to set up systems for delivering Leqembi, leading to delayed administration. Furthermore, some insurers have rejected coverage for the drug, infusions, and necessary scans due to high costs. Health systems are working to understand coverage options to prevent patients from being burdened with hefty bills.
Fortunately, access to treatment may improve as new potential treatments targeting the amyloid protein, a key factor in Alzheimer’s disease, are being reviewed by the FDA. Researchers believe that combination treatments will likely be needed to effectively treat Alzheimer’s disease in the future.
Despite the challenges faced by Leqembi, the development of treatments for Alzheimer’s disease remains a significant priority in the medical community. With ongoing research and advancements, there is hope for better outcomes for those affected by this devastating illness.