Biogen, Eisai Alzheimer's drug Leqembi covered by VA
Mar. 20, 2023 11:20 AM ETBiogen Inc. (BIIB), ESAIY, ESALFBy: Jonathan Block, SA News Editor1 Comment
Spencer Platt/Getty Images News
- Veterans living with Alzheimer's disease will have access to Biogen (NASDAQ:BIIB) and Eisai's (OTCPK:ESALF)(OTCPK:ESAIY) Alzheimer's drug Leqembi (lecanemab) through the Veterans Health Administration.
- The move is somewhat of a surprise given that CMS in February said it was not reconsidering a decision made last year to severely limit coverage of amyloid-targeting Alzheimer's antibody therapies.
- Leqembi can be prescribed by VA healthcare professionals to vets based on the agency's criteria and the drug's label. The latter says the treatment is limited to those with early-stage disease.
- Leqembi was approved under accelerated approval in January. Eisai (OTCPK:ESAIY) is also pursuing traditional approval, a prospect that could help win CMS and private payer coverage, and which could come this summer, according to the Japanese pharma's US CEO.