The recent Food and Drug Administration approval of the first drug shown to slow down Alzheimer’s disease means that Leqembi, whose generic name is Lecanemab, should be widely covered by the federal Medicare health insurance program. Now more people who are in the early stages of the disease will have access to the drug – and be able to afford it.
What is Laqembi?
Lecanemab (Laqembi), is a monoclonal antibody medication used for the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease. Laqembi is an amyloid beta-directed antibody that is administered via intravenous infusion, which can be done at hospitals and infusion therapy centers and takes about 1 hour for each infusion.
What was the Research Process?
“Leqembi was approved using the Accelerated Approval pathway, this process allows the FDA may approve drugs for serious conditions where there is an unmet medical need and a drug is shown to have an effect on a surrogate endpoint that is reasonably likely to predict a clinical benefit to patients. The results of a Phase 3 randomized, controlled clinical trial to confirm the drug’s clinical benefit have recently been reported and the agency anticipates receiving the data soon.” (FDA Press Release)
> Read more from the FDA: FDA Grants Accelerated Approval for Alzheimer’s Disease Treatment
Qualifiers
To qualify for this treatment you will:
- Need to be enrolled in Medicare
- Need to have a diagnosis of mild cognitive impairment or Alzheimer’s disease or dementia with confirmation of elevated beta-amyloid
- Have a physician who participates in a qualifying registry with an appropriate clinical team and follow-up care
- Clinicians who participate will only need to complete a short, easy data submission.
Cost of Laqembi
The cost to those who have Original Medicare will be the typical 20% co-insurance of the Medicare-approved amount once you have met your Part B deductible. If you have supplemental coverage you will need to contact your agent for more detailed cost information.
Other Items to Consider
- The drug has been only recently approved, so immediate access may not be possible. Manufacturing is being elevated but nationwide distribution and implementation may take some time.
- All drugs have side effects. The most commonly reported side effect of Laqembi includes infusion-related reactions, amyloid-related imaging abnormalities (ARIA) and headaches. This may not be all the side effects possible, so speaking with your doctor about treatment plan options that are right for you, including weighing the benefits and risks, is suggested. (Alz.org)
- You will want to speak with your healthcare provider about your current medications/supplements whenever considering any new treatments.
Need help reviewing your options? Give Karen or Matt a call at 865-203-2040 or email us at contact@bigorangemedicare.com!
*Medicare Insurance Specialty Group is Not Approved By, Endorsed By, or Affiliated With A Government Agency. We do not offer every plan available in your area. Any information we provide is limited to those plans we do offer in your area. Please contact Medicare.gov or 1-800-MEDICARE to get information on all of your options.