Medicare finalizes decision to limit coverage of controversial Alzheimer’s drug to those in clinical trial

The Biden administration on Thursday finalized a decision to significantly limit Medicare coverage of a controversial new Alzheimer’s drug amid a fierce debate over its effectiveness.

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services said that it would limit coverage of the drug, known as Aduhelm, to people who are participating in a clinical trial, which can help scientists further study the drug.

The drug, made by Biogen, drew controversy when it was approved by the Food and Drug Administration despite widespread doubts about whether it worked. The price of the drug has also drawn an outcry, at $28,200 per year, though it was initially even higher.