Overview

• Biogen and Eisai confirmed market availability of the Alzheimer’s antibody in Germany on 1 September, with Austria also among the first EU launch countries.
• Use is restricted to early-stage cases such as mild cognitive impairment, and only patients with zero or one ApoE4 gene copy are eligible, a subgroup that includes most but not all patients.
• Treatment requires biomarker confirmation of Alzheimer, ApoE4 genetic testing, baseline and periodic MRI scans, and intravenous infusions every two weeks to watch for brain swelling and microbleeds.
• Manufacturer pricing points to roughly €24,000 per patient annually for the drug, with an additional estimated €10,000 for diagnostics, administration and monitoring.
• Health insurers will initially cover costs as the Gemeinsame Bundesausschuss assesses added benefit for price negotiations, though some hospitals may delay starts due to capacity and unresolved clinic reimbursement.