“🔬 Alzheimer’s Wonder Pill, Leqembi, Steps Closer to Memory Lane! 🎉 Is This the Dawn of New Hope or Just Another False Alarm? 🤔”
TL;DR;
Leqembi, the much-anticipated Alzheimer’s medication, is now one step closer to earning full FDA approval, thus potentially expanding its use for seniors in the early stages of Alzheimer’s. Although insurance companies have held off on covering the drug until it gets full approval, the decision seems imminent. But, the question on everyone’s lips is, “Is it worth the wait and the hefty price tag?” 🤑💊
👩💼 Alright folks, gather around, we have some serious brain talk today! 😮 Can we actually be on the brink of slowing down Alzheimer’s, or is it just another medical hype in the making? 🧐 Let’s delve in.
Leqembi, the miracle drug (or so it seems), has been playing the waiting game since its conditional approval from the FDA based on early promising results. The drug showed potential to decelerate Alzheimer’s progression by a few months.🐢 Does a couple of months really make that big a difference? You bet it does, especially when it comes to a disease as nefarious as Alzheimer’s. 🧠🕰️
As our Harvard Medical School’s very own Dr. Merit Cudkowicz puts it, “A couple more months in the highly functional state is really meaningful”. A breather for our forgetful elders? Let’s hope so! 🙏🧓👵
It’s not all rosy, though. While these full approvals are often mundane, Leqembi has sparked new debates due to concerns about cost and effectiveness. You’d think the medicos have it tough, but wait till you hear the insurances’ woes! 💸👀
Medicare, the federal health plan covering 60 million seniors, has essentially halted coverage for Leqembi and its twin, Aduhelm, pending full FDA approval. With the drugs priced at a whopping $26,500 and $28,000 per year respectively, who can blame them? The burden of paying out of pocket has been left to the handful of patients who’ve had a shot at the drug. 💔💰
Leqembi, according to its proponents, targets the underlying biology of Alzheimer’s and could delay the progression by around five months. Yes, the delay might not seem much to us, but for those living with the disease and their caregivers, it’s a world of difference. 🌍⏳
However, let’s not pop the champagne just yet! 🍾😏 There were some potentially serious side effects reported, including brain swelling and minor bleeds in brain vessels. Unfortunately, three patients even passed away during the study, two following a stroke linked to brain bleeding. 😢💔 Yet, it’s not clear whether Leqembi played a role in the deaths due to other factors like the use of blood-thinning medications.
The FDA panelists, though impressed by Eisai’s results, acknowledged these adverse effects but believe they are manageable and the benefits are clear.
But we leave you with a question to ponder on, folks, “Do the benefits outweigh the risks, and more importantly, the hefty price tag?” 🤷♂️🤷♀️ Let us know what you think!
Disclaimer: This article does not provide health advice or endorse any products. It is for informational purposes only. Always consult with a healthcare provider for health concerns.
