New Alzheimer's drug sparks backlash over FDA, pricing
By Nathaniel Weixel - 06/12/21 07:57 PM EDT
The approval of a new Alzheimer's drug has sparked a fierce backlash amid concerns about both price and its effectiveness.
The Biogen drug, marketed under the name Aduhelm, is the first Alzheimer's treatment approved in nearly 20 years.
Yet it comes at a massive cost of $56,000 a year per patient, which is likely to renew pressure on Congress and the Biden administration to pass drug pricing reform legislation.
Patients and advocates have been desperately searching for an effective treatment, especially for those who experience mild cognitive decline that progresses to Alzheimer's.
They argue that the new drug provides hope and the possibility of a few more years with loved ones. The approval could also be the starting point for future investments into more, better treatments.
"Approvals of the first drug in a new category benefit people living with the disease by invigorating the field, increasing investments in treatments and generating innovation," the Alzheimer's Association said in a statement.
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https://thehill.com/policy/healthcare/558101-new-alzheimers-drug-sparks-backlash-over-fda-pricing