Axios: Outpatient infusion centers offering Aduhelm

[anonymous]

Outpatient infusion centers offering Aduhelm

Some hospitals are refusing to administer Biogen's new Alzheimer's drug, Aduhelm, but many freestanding infusion centers are offering it despite concerns about the drug's safety and lack of effectiveness, Axios' Bob Herman reports.

Yes, but: Hardly any patients are receiving the drug. Just over 100 patients have actually gotten Aduhelm so far, way below Biogen's already-tempered forecasts, STAT reported.

What we're seeing: Infusion centers not owned by hospitals are enticing prospective Aduhelm patients with goodies.

• IVX Health, which operates 50 outpatient centers in affluent suburbs, says people who take Aduhelm can enjoy "big-screen TVs, high-speed WiFi, [and] free snacks."
• Memory Treatment Centers in Florida and FlexCare Infusion Centers in Oklahoma advertised Aduhelm patients can get private suites, heated massage chairs, free food and Netflix.
• The head neurologist of Memory Treatment Centers boasted that "there is real light and hope" with Aduhelm, without acknowledging the drug's side effects or the lack of proof it works. The company did not respond to multiple phone calls and emails.

What they're saying: "We're going to rely on the FDA and the processes they have to approve medications, and then rely on the clinical expertise of the referring physician," IVX Health CEO Doug Ghertner told Axios.

 

[anonymous]

Match made in heaven.

Biogen fails a clinical trial but gets an accelerated approval with a wide open label and sets a 56k per year price. Drug has marginal efficacy at best and common serious adverse events. Infusion centers that can make money but dont have responsibility for the medical knowledge provide the drug (with snacks and massage chairs and free buttered popcorn.

Bad science paired with money focused patient "care"?

 

[anonymous]

yep. we should just start positioning as an add-on at a medi-spa. Seriously, it’s the same exact model. Botox while we’re at it.

Match made in heaven.

Biogen fails a clinical trial but gets an accelerated approval with a wide open label and sets a 56k per year price. Drug has marginal efficacy at best and common serious adverse events. Infusion centers that can make money but dont have responsibility for the medical knowledge provide the drug (with snacks and massage chairs and free buttered popcorn.

Bad science paired with money focused patient "care"?

 

[anonymous]

yep. we should just start positioning as an add-on at a medi-spa. Seriously, it’s the same exact model. Botox while we’re at it.

Massage parlors too?

 

[anonymous]

Massage parlors too?

$56,000 for basic services.

If you want any “extras”, the price goes up from there.