Alzheimer's drug adoption in US slowed by doctors' skepticism
The initial medication for Alzheimer's, Leqembi, is not being used widely because some medical professionals think there is no use in treating the condition that robs people of their memories. Since the medicine was approved by the US Food and medicine Administration, its requirements—which include frequent brain scans, twice-monthly infusions, and additional diagnostic tests—have contributed to its sluggish acceptance. Seven physicians who treat Alzheimer's patients said that their own hesitation to recommend Leqembi was due to worries about the medication's side effects, expense, and effectiveness. Alex Scott, the chief administrative officer of Eisai, admitted that doubts and the slower-than-anticipated adoption by major health systems had affected the launch. Over 6 million Americans are thought to be affected by the illness, and fewer than half of US neurologists advise patients to take Leqembi. Professor Michael Greicius of Stanford University's Centre for Memory Disorders stated that there is insufficient proof to support Leqembi's beneficial effects on patients. Other medical professionals have expressed worries about Leqembi's potential for brain haemorrhage and edoema, as well as the expense of the $26,500 yearly medication, regular MRIs, and twice-monthly injections.