Over a year ago, the U.S. market saw the introduction of the first drug aimed at slowing Alzheimer’s disease progression.
However, sales have been sluggish, with major hospital systems hesitating to adopt it and some insurers refusing coverage.
Doctors anticipate patient reluctance towards Leqembi due to its limited efficacy and potential side effects. They stress the need for extensive research to optimize drug deployment and enhance diagnostic procedures.
“This marks the beginning of an intriguing journey,” remarked Dr. Ambar Kulshreshtha, a family physician in suburban Atlanta specializing in dementia care.
With over 6 million Americans affected by Alzheimer’s disease, and millions more globally, Leqembi addresses a critical need by targeting the accumulation of amyloid protein in the brain, a hallmark of the condition. Clinical trials suggest it can modestly delay disease progression in individuals with mild symptoms, though some experts question whether the effects are perceptible to patients.
However, Leqembi is not without risks, potentially leading to brain swelling and bleeding. Regular brain scans are necessary to monitor these adverse effects.
