It's the first drug shown to slow Alzheimer's. Why is is it off to a slow start?
The first drug shown to slow Alzheimer’s disease hit the U.S. market over a year ago, but sales have lagged, major hospital systems have taken months to start using it and some insurers have rejected coverage.
Doctors also expect some patients will hesitate to take Leqembi due to its limited impact and potential side effects. They say it will take years to learn how best to deploy the drug and that work must be done to improve diagnosis.
“This is the start of a very exciting journey,” said Dr. Ambar Kulshreshtha, a suburban Atlanta family physician focused on dementia patients.
More than 6 million Americans, and millions more worldwide, have Alzheimer’s disease, the most common cause of dementia. There’s no cure, but Leqembi clears a sticky brain protein called amyloid that’s a key indicator of Alzheimer’s.
Studies showed that it can delay the progression of the disease by a few months when given to people with mild symptoms. Some experts say the delay may be too subtle for patients to notice.
Related articles
The government wants to buy their flood
HOUSTON (AP) — After the floodwaters earlier this month just about swallowed two of the six homes th2024-05-21NASCAR revels in an M.J. moment. His Airness gives a big boost to his posthoops passion
TALLADEGA, Ala. (AP) — Suddenly, Michael Jordan’s new life seems just as satisfying as his old one.2024-05-21Olympiakos wins first European title for Greek clubs in UEFA Youth League final
NYON, Switzerland (AP) — A three-goal spree in six second-half minutes lifted Olympiakos to a first2024-05-21Apple takes down WhatsApp, Threads from China app store — Radio Free Asia
Apple’s app store in China has taken down at least four chat apps that are widely used international2024-05-21Uber and Lyft say they'll stay in Minnesota after Legislature passes driver pay compromise
ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — Uber and Lyft plan to keep operating in Minnesota after the state Legislature2024-05-21Satellite photos suggest Iran air defense radar struck in Isfahan during apparent Israeli attack
JERUSALEM (AP) — Satellite photos taken Monday suggest an apparent Israeli retaliatory strike target2024-05-21
atest comment