Lawmakers claim that the Alzheimer’s program is set to be renewed.
Sen. Tim Kaine
Representative (D-Va.) has identified a potential solution to pass Alzheimer’s legislation to the president for approval.
During a POLITICO live event on Wednesday evening titled “How Fast Can We Solve Alzheimer’s,” Kaine stated in an interview that the members of the Senate HELP Committee are seeking to merge their two main bipartisan goals from the past few months. These goals include improving the operations of pharmacy benefit managers and increasing the size of the health workforce. The committee hopes to combine these priorities into a single health package.
He mentioned that the larger package would also include other health policies, such as renewing the BOLD Infrastructure for Alzheimer’s Act. This act has improved resources for research and care for individuals with Alzheimer’s disease.
“It could easily be included in this package,” he stated. “I will definitely advocate for it to be included.”
Kaine mentioned that he was part of the group making adjustments to the package for its reauthorization.
On Wednesday, it was declared that the production of the medication will be discontinued following an internal assessment of its research and development activities – and in response to CMS’s decision to restrict coverage for the drug.
Biogen has decided to shift its focus to the development of other potential medications and furthering the progress of Leqembi, an Alzheimer’s drug marketed in partnership with Eisai that received FDA approval in the previous year.
However, the need for another spending package to maintain government operations is looming for Congress in the coming weeks. This package is seen by many as a chance to pass various health legislation and make progress towards their goals.
Kaine stated that it is necessary to complete the task.
Source: politico.com