Sales of the first drug proven to slow the progression of Alzheimer’s disease have been disappointing in the U.S. market, with major hospital systems and insurers slow to adopt the treatment.
Since its approval by the FDA last summer, the drug, Leqembi, has faced challenges in gaining widespread use. Some doctors believe that patients may be hesitant to take Leqembi due to its limited impact and potential side effects, which include brain swelling and bleeding.
Although Leqembi has been shown to delay the progression of Alzheimer’s by a few months in patients with mild symptoms, the subtle nature of this delay may make it difficult for patients to notice any improvement.
Hospitals and health systems have needed time to set up systems for delivering Leqembi, leading to delays in administering the drug to patients. Additionally, insurers are still sorting out coverage for the drug, its required infusions, and scans necessary for diagnosis.
While there are other potential treatments for Alzheimer’s disease in the pipeline, researchers believe that combination treatments may be necessary to effectively combat the disease.
Overall, the process of identifying eligible patients for Leqembi, starting treatment, and navigating insurance coverage challenges remains complex and challenging for both doctors and patients alike. Despite the obstacles, healthcare providers are hopeful that the availability of Leqembi will ultimately lead to improved outcomes for Alzheimer’s patients.
