DENT Neurologic Institute Set To Move Forward With Alzheimer’s Drug Despite Controversy

BUFFALO, NY (WKBW) – The DENT Neurologic Institute is set to proceed with the administration of the newly approved Alzheimer’s drug, aducanumab, also known as Aduhelm, even as hospitals across the country announce they will not will not be prescribing the drug due to concerns about its effectiveness and questions about the FDA approval process.

Dr Joseph Fritz, CEO of DENT, says there is evidence that the drug is effective in slowing the progression of Alzheimer’s disease in people who are in the early stages of the disease.

“We know the science, we know the risks, we know the benefits,” Fritz told 7 Eyewitness News. “It’s not some kind of crazy drug. It’s about taking over a key disease process. The only problem really is that it’s too expensive.”

Fritz says the main failure preventing DENT from administering aducanumab is the issue of insurance. At present, local insurers and Medicare have not approved coverage for the drug. Without the payers covering the cost, patients would have to pay over $ 56,000 for this infusion therapy.

“At the moment, we can say that we have enough scientific data to say that we would like to inject it, but we will not do so unless payers are prepared to ensure that it is financially affordable for our patients. “said Fritz.

Still, Fritz is heartened by the increased attention this drug has brought to the early stages of Alzheimer’s disease. He hopes more people will discuss their memory issues with their healthcare providers, as there are various lifestyle interventions available to manage the progression of the disease.

The Cleveland Clinic, Mt. The Sinai Hospital and other health facilities across the country have announced that they will not administer Aduhelm.