New alzheimer’s Drug Approved in Australia, Offers Hope But faces Access Barriers
Sydney, Australia – Australia’s Therapeutic Goods Management (TGA) has approved lecanemab, a new drug for early-stage Alzheimer’s disease, offering a potential, albeit limited, advancement in slowing cognitive decline. Though, the A$40,000 annual cost raises significant concerns about accessibility for many patients who could benefit.
lecanemab, marketed as Leqembi, is designed for fortnightly infusions over 18 months, followed by monthly maintenance doses. treatment also necessitates regular monitoring via doctors’ appointments, MRI, adn PET scans, adding to the overall expense.
Currently, lecanemab is not listed on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS), meaning patients must cover the full cost out-of-pocket. The Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee (PBAC) is yet to review the drug for PBS inclusion. This follows PBAC’s July rejection of a similar drug, donanemab, due to concerns the benefits were “too small and uncertain to justify the burden of this treatment on both patients and the health system.”
Both lecanemab and donanemab operate through a similar mechanism and share comparable costs,efficacy,and risks. Donanemab also received TGA approval earlier in 2024.
Experts emphasize lecanemab is not a cure for Alzheimer’s. while it may slow disease progression, it does not improve existing symptoms. The drug is only effective in the earliest stages of Alzheimer’s and will not benefit individuals with dementia caused by other conditions or those with more advanced disease.
Individuals experiencing early Alzheimer’s symptoms, such as persistent short-term memory loss or confusion regarding time, are advised to seek prompt medical evaluation for accurate diagnosis and discussion of treatment options.
