Alzheimer's drug gets FDA panel's backing, setting the stage for broader use [View all]
Source: AP
By MATTHEW PERRONE today
WASHINGTON (AP) Health advisers on Friday unanimously backed the full approval of a closely watched Alzheimers drug, a key step toward opening insurance coverage to U.S. seniors with early stages of the brain-robbing disease.
The drug, Leqembi, received conditional approval from the Food and Drug Administration in January based on early results suggesting it could slow Alzheimers progression by several months. The FDA now is reviewing more definitive results to decide whether the drug should receive the agencys full endorsement.
The decision carries extra significance because insurers have held off on paying for the infused treatment until it has full FDA approval.
The FDA panel of outside advisers voted 6-0 that a large company study confirmed the drugs benefits for patients with mild or early Alzheimers. The nonbinding vote amounts to a recommendation for full approval, and the FDA is scheduled to issue a final decision on the matter by July 6.

Read more: https://apnews.com/article/leqembi-alzheimers-drug-fda-f438cd0d1df98d1df0677a219cee6fa7