Does new Alzheimer's drug work? Answers may miss 2030 target

When a controversial Alzheimer’s drug won U.S. approval, surprise over the decision quickly turned to shock at how long it might take to find out if it really works — nine years.

But both camps agree: 2030 is far too long to wait for answers on the $56,000-a-year drug. "We think nine years is unacceptable and our expectation is that it will happen in a much shorter time frame," said Maria Carrillo of the Alzheimer’s Association, an advocacy group that pushed for approval but now wants the FDA to set a quicker deadline. Other experts warn that the 2030 timeline could slip if patients balk at enrolling in a new study for a drug that’s already available. And the focus on Aduhelm — the first new Alzheimer’s drug in 18 years — could steer volunteers away from testing of other promising treatments.