(Agence France-Presse/ Science Alert) — The US drug regulator gave full approval to a new Alzheimer’s medicine on Thursday, a move that makes it more widely available to the public through government-run health insurance for the elderly.
Leqembi, developed jointly by Japan’s Eisai and Biogen of the United States, was shown in a clinical trial to modestly reduce cognitive decline among patients in the early stages of the disease.
But the study also raised concerns about side effects including brain bleeds and swelling.
Leqembi was initially granted “accelerated approval” by the Food and Drug Administration in January, which meant it was not broadly covered by the government-run Medicare program for people aged 65 and older.
Thursday’s decision, which follows further study of the drug, means Medicare will now defray a large portion of treatment, initially listed by the makers at $26,500 per year. (…)