Bipartisan Efforts to Renew Alzheimer’s Program

Lawmakers Push to Renew BOLD Infrastructure for Alzheimer’s Act

Lawmakers are making strides to renew the BOLD Infrastructure for Alzheimer’s Act as part of a larger health package, according to Sen. Tim Kaine (D-Va.).

During live event, Kaine disclosed that the Senate HELP Committee is working to consolidate bipartisan priorities, which include overhauling pharmacy benefit manager operations and boosting the health workforce, into a comprehensive health package.

Potential Inclusion in Comprehensive Health Package

Within this broader package, there is potential to include the reauthorization of the BOLD Infrastructure for Alzheimer’s Act, a program that has significantly contributed to Alzheimer’s research and care. Kaine is dedicated to advocating for the inclusion of this reauthorization in the upcoming legislative package, emphasizing the importance of its continued support.

House's Reintroduction and Urgency for Reauthorization

In addition to the Senate's plans, the House has reintroduced the bill, and Rep. Brett Guthrie (R-Ky.) expressed a sense of urgency in reauthorizing the program, alongside other significant healthcare initiatives.

Patient advocates present at the event highlighted the challenges faced by patients in accessing the latest advancements in Alzheimer's treatment, despite ongoing progress in the field.

Industry Developments and Congressional Deadline

This discussion coincided with the announcement that the maker of Aduhelm, a controversial Alzheimer treatment, would cease production following an internal review and the decision by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) to restrict coverage of the drug.

Biogen, the manufacturer of Aduhelm, revealed that it will redirect its resources towards developing alternative drug candidates and advancing Leqembi, another Alzheimer's drug that gained traditional FDA approval last year in collaboration with Eisai.

Despite these industry developments, Congress is approaching the deadline for another spending package to keep the government operational, presenting an opportunity to advance various health legislations, including the reauthorization of the BOLD Infrastructure for Alzheimer’s Act.

Urgency and Bipartisan Momentum

The impending deadline has prompted a sense of urgency among legislators, with Kaine emphasizing the necessity of action in the near future. The convergence of these efforts reflects a growing bipartisan momentum to renew the program and address critical healthcare initiatives.