Canada's Drug Agency has issued a significant ruling that will restrict public access to a newly approved Alzheimer's disease treatment, according to an Ottawa cognitive neurologist and researcher. The decision, which states that public drug plans should not cover the cost of lecanemab, is expected to create substantial barriers for patients seeking this innovative therapy.
Neurologist Expresses Disappointment Over Funding Decision
Dr. Andrew Frank, a cognitive neurologist and investigator at the Bruyère Memory Program in Ottawa, has voiced his disappointment following the agency's ruling. "This means there will be less access for patients," Frank stated, highlighting concerns about equitable treatment options for those affected by Alzheimer's disease.
Lecanemab, approved by Health Canada in 2025, represents the first new Alzheimer's treatment in Canada in two decades. Unlike previous medications that primarily addressed symptoms, this drug targets an underlying cause of the disease by addressing amyloid protein buildup in the brain.
Clinical Benefits and Limitations of the New Treatment
The drug has demonstrated promising results in clinical trials:
- Shown to reduce Alzheimer's disease progression by 27%
- Provides slowing of cognitive decline in early-stage patients
- Offers potential for extended quality time with loved ones
However, the treatment comes with significant considerations:
- High cost of approximately $32,000 annually
- Requires twice-monthly infusions and regular MRIs
- Carries rare but serious risks including brain bleeds and swelling
International Context and Expert Perspectives
Dr. Samir Sinha, a geriatrician at Sinai Health System and the University Health Network in Toronto, noted that Canada's Drug Agency ruling aligns with decisions made by other international bodies, including the NHS in the United Kingdom and the European Drug Agency.
"The drug is a positive advance that bodes of more advances to come," Sinha commented, "but it is not a game-changer for Alzheimer's patients and their families."
Alternative Funding Pathways and Current Access
Despite the public funding denial, some pathways to access remain available:
- Private health insurance coverage possibilities
- Out-of-pocket payment by a small number of Canadians
- Continued research into more accessible treatment options
Frank expressed hope that private health plans might cover the medication, though this would still leave many patients without affordable access. The Alzheimer's Society of Canada projects that one million Canadians will be affected by the disease by 2030, underscoring the urgency of treatment accessibility discussions.
The ruling highlights ongoing challenges in balancing innovative medical treatments with healthcare system sustainability, particularly for conditions affecting growing segments of the population.
