Alzheimer’s Patient Advocates Criticize Price of New Therapeutic

As patients begin taking the first doses of Leqembi (lecanemab), Eisei and Biogen’s new amyloid-targeting Azlheimer’s therapy, many patient advocates are lambasting the high price of the treatment. The criticism comes after a value-assessment estimated a fair price for the drug that is significantly lower than the one set by the manufacturer.

According to Nikolina Janakievski and Cheryl Nagowski, “Leqembi is priced at $26,500 a year, which is less than both Aduhelm’s initial WAC of approximately $56,000 and its subsequent reduced WAC of approximately $28,000. While Eisai and Biogen assert the per patient societal value of the drug is higher than their listed price at $37,600, the Institute for Clinical and Economic Review (ICER), calculated the more moderate price range of $8,500 to $20,600. While the discrepancy between sticker price and third-party cost analysis is not uncommon, the reaction to this decision in such a controversial drug class is much anticipated.”

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(Source: Life Science Leader, January 25^th, 2023)