Biogen Tempts Alzheimer’s Patients with Free Aduhelm; Will Ploy Lead to Medicare Coverage of $56,000 Yearly Drug?

In a recent podcast offered by the American Academy of Neurology, Dr. Brian Callaghan shares his thoughts on the cost-effectiveness of Biogen’s Aduhelm (aducanumab) for use in Alzheimer’s Disease. Its high cost and lack of clinical efficacy have led to massive criticism and unwillingness by payers to cover the drug. Now, some patients are receiving free doses amid speculation that a reliance on the drug could force Medicare to cover it.

“A funny thing happened on the way to that $56,000-a-year Alzheimer’s drug: Payers are reluctant to pay, providers are reluctant to prescribe, and the price is coming down—at least for some patients. It is a tale that could push Congress to allow Medicare to negotiate drug prices… One firm’s short-term profit could end up costing the industry trillions of dollars.” Read more here.

(Source: Howard Gleckman, Forbes, 9/1/21)