US govt programme to cover Biogen Alzheimer's drug only for trial patients

The FDA approved the drug in June despite its committee of outside experts voting in November 2020 that the drug should not be approved.

The U.S. government Medicare program on Tuesday said it plans to cover Alzheimer's treatments including Biogen Inc's Aduhelm but will require patients to be enrolled in a clinical trial, limiting access to the treatment more than many expected.

Biogen shares were down 7.3% at $224 in extended trading on Tuesday. The decision from the U.S. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), the health agency that runs Medicare, could change as it seeks comment from companies and patients. A final decision is due on April 11.

The final CMS coverage terms are expected to apply to all drugs in the class, including