New Federal Decisions Make Alzheimer’s Drug Leqembi Widely Accessible
New York TimesAPR 2023
Leqembi carries significant life-threatening risks, including brain swelling and cerebral hemorrhages, and is expected to cost Medicare up to $5B a year. If the drug is approved, the only beneficiary would be US insurance companies and its manufacturers, Eisai and Biogen — as Leqembi sales are expected to top $1B in 2026 and reach $5.7B by 2030.
This is a historic step forward for nearly 6M Americans whose lives are disrupted due to Alzheimer's and are often prevented from accessing much-needed treatment. Since its benefit outweighs the risks, the FDA must approve Leqembi considering the burden of the disease on caregivers and the progressive nature of the disease.