Breaking News: Alzheimer's Patients in UK Unlikely to Access New Leqembi Drug
In a recent development, Eisai and Biogen's new drug, Leqembi, has been approved by the UK regulator but is deemed too expensive for widespread use in Britain's state-run health service. The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency hailed Leqembi as the first treatment for Alzheimer's with evidence of efficacy in slowing disease progression.
However, the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) raised concerns about the medicine's high cost and the need for intensive monitoring for side effects, making it not cost-effective for taxpayers. This decision adds to the challenges faced by the drugmakers, as the uptake of the drug in the U.S. has been slow due to cost and concerns over side effects and effectiveness.
The approval of Leqembi in several countries highlights the potential benefits for early-stage Alzheimer's patients but also underscores the risks of rare and serious side effects associated with the new class of drugs. The therapy, administered twice a month, aims to remove protein clumps from the brain linked to Alzheimer's disease.
Despite its approval in other countries, the European Union's drugs regulator rejected Leqembi last month, citing concerns over serious brain swelling outweighing its limited impact on cognitive decline. The companies have expressed their intention to seek re-examination of the decision.
With a price tag of $26,500 per year in the U.S., the cost of Leqembi remains confidential in the UK until disclosed by the Department for Health and Social Care. This decision underscores the challenges faced by patients seeking access to innovative treatments for Alzheimer's disease.
In conclusion, the approval and pricing of Leqembi in the UK highlight the complexities and challenges in providing effective treatments for Alzheimer's patients. The decision not to make the drug widely available due to cost concerns underscores the importance of balancing innovation with affordability in healthcare. Patients and caregivers must stay informed about the latest developments in Alzheimer's treatments to make informed decisions about their care.