Why a new Alzheimer's drug is having a slow US debut

Two big factors behind the slow debut, experts say, are scant insurance coverage and a long setup time needed by manyPatients who surmount those challenges will step to the head of the line for a drug that delivers an uncertain benefit. Here’s a closer look.The U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved Leqembi, from Japanese drugmaker Eisai, in early January. It's for patients with mild or early cases of dementia tied to Alzheimer’s disease.

Eisai spokeswoman Libby Holman said prescriptions for the drug have been written, and they expect patients to start receiving it “very soon.”A year’s treatment will run about $26,500. Patients who can afford that without insurance will be able to start the treatment if they are deemed a candidate for Leqembi and they find a doctor andThere are currently few options outside self-pay.

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, which oversees Medicare, said after Leqembi's approval that it may reconsider its coverage stance, something the Alzheimer’s Association has urged it to do. Then the doctor has to decide what caused the condition. It could stem from Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s disease, a stroke or a brain injury.

This planning might include training nurses on how to give the drug and making sure prescribing doctors know how to recognize candidates for it. Care providers also need a plan for how patients will be monitored once they start taking it.Doctors may want to know that such a plan is in place before they feel comfortable writing a prescription, Kremen noted.

That’s great to hear. Unfortunately It’ll probably cost thousands of dollars and be denied coverage by my most insurance companies

That’s great to hear. Unfortunately It’ll probably cost thousands of dollars and be denied my most insurance companies.

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