Pharmalittle: Biden to spend $3 billion to develop Covid-19 pills; most Americans believe the new Alzheimer’s drug will be effective

By Ed Silverman June 18, 2021

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Alex Hogan/STAT

And so, another working week will soon draw to a close. Not a moment too soon, yes? This is, you may recall, our treasured signal to daydream about weekend plans. Our agenda is somewhat ambitious. Besides puttering about the grounds and promenading with the official mascot, we plan to visit the Pharmalot ancestors and catch up on our reading. And what about you? This is a fine time to enjoy the great outdoors — beaches, lakes, and mountains are beckoning. You could also plan a summer getaway. Or make plans to take in a ball game or outdoor concert. Well, whatever you do, have a grand time. But be safe. And if dad is around, remember to say hello. …

Two-thirds of Americans who are familiar with the details of the newly approved Alzheimer’s treatment believe the medication will be effective, but a similar percentage have concerns about the regulatory process used to endorse the drug and people are divided over whether the drug, which will cost $56,000, is fairly priced, according to a new survey from STAT and The Harris Poll. Among those who had only heard about the approval, slightly more than half agree the drug will be effective.

Sen. Joe Manchin (D-W. Va.) is the latest to oppose making Janet Woodcock the permanent Food and Drug Administration commissioner. In a letter to President Biden, Manchin wrote that Woodcock, who is interim commissioner, “is not the right person to lead the FDA.” He cited the controversial agency approval of the Biogen (BIIB) Alzheimer’s drug after its own advisory panel refused to recommend it as a treatment, which prompted three panel members to resign. “This approval underscores the fact that more of the same leadership at the agency is not the answer,” he wrote.

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