Washington, D.C. (June 7, 2021) – UsAgainstAlzheimer’s issued the following statement from George Vradenburg, chairman and co-founder, on the Food and Drug Administration’s decision to approve Biogen’s aducanumab, the first disease-modifying therapy for early-stage Alzheimer’s. 

“This first disease-slowing drug is a dramatic turning point in the fight against Alzheimer’s. Hope will replace despair for many families in the early stages of the disease. 

“By delaying the progression for people in the early stages of the disease, this drug therapy promises to give people more time to live independently and perform daily activities longer.  

“We believe that FDA’s approval of aducanumab will have a positive ripple effect on pharmaceutical innovation far beyond this one drug. To get to the best-in-class drug – and ultimately a cure – there must be a first-in-class drug such as aducanumab. This approval will spark additional investment by other companies in disease-modifying treatments and therapies. With approval of this first drug, drugs 2, 3, 4 will follow, and at a faster pace.  

“We are very concerned about the ability of patients to gain access to aducanumab, particularly those on Medicare fee-for-service without supplemental insurance. And, shockingly, Medicare does not reimburse patients for the expensive PET scans important to determine whether someone is appropriate for this drug. We intend to work with Biogen and Medicare to make access to this drug affordable for every American who needs it.

“After so many disappointments in potential treatments, the Alzheimer’s community now knows this deadly enemy has finally been engaged. At long last, science and time are on our side. Patients in the early stages of the disease will engage with their physicians to learn what can be done, with early detection, to slow their cognitive decline and this disease. 

“Because aducanumab is for people in the early stages of the disease, it will be important for people to learn whether it is right for them. Our new BrainGuide™ platform empowers people with the knowledge and confidence to take the best next steps in managing their own or a loved one’s brain health. BrainGuide is free and easy to access at mybrainguide.org or at 855-BRAIN-411.” 

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About UsAgainstAlzheimer’s

UsAgainstAlzheimer’s exists to conquer Alzheimer’s disease. We take on the toughest problems; bring all of “Us” together to break down barriers; advocate for research that will speed treatments to market; and drive changes that matter most to people living with the disease. We will not rest until brain-span equals lifespan - for everyone.