First drug proven to slow Alzheimer's won't be available to most patients for several months - Fox News

Experts say some reasons behind the slow debut for Leqembi, from Japanese drugmaker Eisai, are minimal insurance coverage and many health systems requiring a setup that takes a long time.

Leqembi, studies show, modestly slowed the fatal disease, but doctors are unsure at this time how that impacts things like increased independence for patients.

Patients able to afford the drug without insurance will be able to start the treatment if they are considered a candidate for Leqembi, and if they find a doctor and health care system prepared to help them.

"There’s a theoretical door [to coverage] that’s completely slammed shut," Robert Egge, chief public policy officer for the nonprofit Alzheimer’s Association, said.

Doctors can take several months to a year to diagnose a patient and then figure out if that person is a candidate for Leqembi, said Sarah Kremen, a neurologist with the Cedars-Sinai health system in Los Angeles.

Hospital systems will also have to determine the number of patients who might come to them for the drug and be able to cover all the costs, which could include clinic, nursing, radiologist and pharmacy fees.