Following the shocking news that Medicare would not pay for the new Alzheimer’s drug Aduhelm unless the patients are enrolled in a clinical trial—unusual for drugs which have been approved by the Food & Drug Administration—Biogen announced on May 4 that it would no longer market the drug and its CEO, Michel Vounatsos, will step down once a replacement is found for his position. With very few health insurance companies willing to pay the annual $28,200 out of their own pocket, the drug will likely have little volume. That’s a shame. Regular readers of my blog know that both my father and my grandmother had this terrible disease when they passed away.  There are some great folks at the Alzheimer’s Association in Ryan Ranch that can help you deal with this devastating disease. They also have a 24-hour hotline at 800-272-3900. Don’t be afraid to ask for help.
