Challenges in Approving and Testing Alzheimer's Therapies
The approval of Alzheimer's therapy drugs, such as Leqembi, is being hampered by the struggle to ramp up treatment programs and build the necessary infrastructure. Hospitals are facing a backlog of patients seeking treatment, as well as the challenge of creating protocols for drug administration and patient monitoring. Some health insurers have initially declined to pay for the therapy, viewing it as experimental despite FDA approval. The slow rollout and payment uncertainties may erode the "first-mover" advantage for drug makers Biogen and Eisai. However, hospitals are working to expand their infusion centers and hire more staff to meet the demand. The hope is that the system will find a way to expand and accommodate the growing number of patients seeking treatment for Alzheimer's disease.