The US Food and Drug Administration has approved an Alzheimer’s drug produced by Eisai Co Ltd and Biogen Inc for those with the illness in its early stages. The drug, which will be sold under the name Leqembi, is a member of a class of drugs created to slow the progression of neurodegenerative disease. It removes buildups of the dangerous protein beta amyloid in the brain.
According to Eisai, the drug’s initial yearly cost would be $26,500. The Biogen shares that were halted were trading 3% higher at $279.40. According to Eisai’s forecast, 100,000 Americans will be eligible for the drug within three years. Over the medium to long term, that number will increase rapidly.
The price of medications surprised Dr. Erik Musiek, a neurologist at Barnes-Jewish Hospital, Washington University. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), which made this announcement on Friday, stated that the current coverage restrictions for pharmaceuticals approved via the fast route may be revisited.
