Washington, D.C. (January 6, 2022) – Millions of Americans living with Alzheimer’s secured a major victory following a decision by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to grant accelerated approval to lecanemab for the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease. George Vradenburg, chair and co-founder of UsAgainstAlzheimer’s, issued the following statement in response:

“This is tremendous news and a true milestone in the fight against Alzheimer’s. The FDA gave accelerated approval to this drug based on Phase 2 trial data predicting clinical benefit and because of the enormous unmet need for a disease-modifying Alzheimer’s treatment. This drug should be available now. But without Medicare coverage, only the wealthy who can afford to pay $26,500 a year will have access to this treatment, leaving it out of reach for millions of people living with Alzheimer’s.

“Based on a decision Medicare made last year – before it even looked at the data for lecanemab – there is currently no coverage for this medicine. Medicare says it is open to reconsidering its position and, based on the recent publication of the final phase 3 data in JAMA in November, Medicare has before it – today – all that is required to do so. We are urging Medicare to do just that – immediately open a reconsideration of its decision not to cover this drug.”

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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.