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

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

Why a new Alzheimer's drug is having a slow US debut - ABC News
Feb 04, 2023 55 secs

Two big factors behind the slow debut, experts say, are scant insurance coverage and a long setup time needed by many health systems.

In studies, Leqembi modestly slowed the fatal disease, but doctors aren't sure yet how that translates into things like greater independence for patients.

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 and health care system prepared to help them.

“There’s a theoretical door (to coverage) that’s completely slammed shut,” said Robert Egge, chief public policy officer for the nonprofit Alzheimer’s Association.

It can take anywhere from several months to more than a year for doctors to diagnose a patient and then figure out if that person is a candidate for Leqembi, according to Dr. Sarah Kremen, a neurologist with the Cedars-Sinai health system in Los Angeles.

After all that, some doctors may hesitate to prescribe Leqembi because they don’t have a good idea yet for how the drug will help the patient or affect their everyday life, Kremen said.

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