"They are left with only one choice: go abroad": New Alzheimer's treatment rejected in France

Alzheimer 's patient associations were disappointed to learn on Tuesday that "early access" to a new drug, Leqembi, had been denied. This means that the treatment will not be available or covered by health insurance until its marketing approval has been reviewed. This could take several months.

In clinical trials, this drug has been shown to slightly slow the decline of patients whose illness was just beginning, raising hopes among patient associations and relatives.

But the French National Health Authority (Haute Autorité de Santé) has refused to approve this drug for the time being. Experts believe the benefits are too slight and the side effects, such as hemorrhages and cerebral edema, too serious. Leqembi can slightly slow the decline of patients whose illness has just begun.

And even if it only saves a few months of good health, Kevin Rabiant, a doctor of neuroscience for the France Alzheimer association, thinks that this treatment is worth offering:

“For individuals who, today, have no other therapeutic solution to try to limit the progression of symptoms, this is the only medication available to them. But the problem is that we are taking away the choice from these people, leaving the only option to have a well-filled wallet to be treated abroad,” he explains to RMC.

The refusal of the High Authority for Health does not rule out the possibility that Leqembi may be authorized, or even reimbursed within a few months, as part of another procedure. But the hope of full coverage by health insurance seems to be fading.