Episode 12: New Blood Test for Alzheimer's

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration cleared for marketing the first in vitro diagnostic device that tests blood to aid in diagnosing Alzheimer’s disease. The Lumipulse G pTau217/ß-Amyloid 1-42 Plasma Ratio is for the early detection of amyloid plaques associated with Alzheimer’s disease in adult patients, aged 55 years and older, exhibiting signs and symptoms of the disease.“Alzheimer’s disease impacts too many people, more than breast cancer and prostate cancer combined,” said FDA Commissioner Martin A. Makary, M.D., M.P.H. “Knowing that 10% of people aged 65 and older have Alzheimer's, and that by 2050 that number is expected to double, I am hopeful that new medical products such as this one will help patients.”What does this mean for the patients? The hope of early and reliable diagnosis. What does this mean for the health plans? Be prepared for more Rx volume and $$$ spend on the two approved specialty drugs- Leqembi or Kisunla. The total costs will go up. United States is going to spend over 6.8 Trillion dollars a year on healthcare by 2030. Almost 90% of employers think the cost of providing health benefits would be unsustainable in the next five to 10 years. Meanwhile, Americans have the highest maternal and infant mortality, the lowest life expectancy at birth, and the highest death rates for avoidable or treatable conditions among high-income countries. At Pequot Health Care, we work with innovative brokers, consultants, and employers who have had enough. Our mission at Pequot Health Care is to help people get Better Value Health. Through our independent Third Party Administration service along with our independent and truly transparent clinical pharmacy service, we help you bring down the giant costs- of diseases and of drugs. Visit us at pequothealthcare.com and let us talk about your wishes and ideas for Better Value Health.