Alzheimer’s Association celebrates new FDA approved drug

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) — The Alzheimer’s Association is celebrating today! The Food and Drug Administration has fully approved a new Alzheimer’s drug. 

“Leqembi is the name of the drug and we have been waiting and anticipating for it to be traditionally approved by the FDA,” said Senior Marketing Director Leslie Holland of the Georgia Alzheimer’s Association. “That approval came late Thursday evening and then Medicare followed suit and did as they said and approved the drug as well for Medicare payment.”

Leqembi delays cognitive decline by five months and has been on the market since the beginning of 2023.  

This drug is different because it aims to slow the progression of the disease, instead of just treating symptoms.

The drug is administered twice monthly through intravenous infusion. 

“Right now, it is an infusion and they are working on making a pill version of it,” Holland said. “But right now, it’s an infusion that patients will get every two weeks or so.”

Since the new drug has been approved, families and patients can have informed discussions about its risk and its cost. 

“It’s one of those things where you just have to… talk to your doctor to decide if it is right for you, or if the risk is worth it,” Holland said. 

If you or a loved one are experiencing memory loss, talk to your doctor. 

They’ll help you find the right treatment option.

The Alzheimer’s Association is available 24/7 via their helpline 800-272-3900, or you can visit their website.