Leqembi
FDA expected to make final decision on Alzheimer's drug Leqembi today
The FDA is expected to make a final decision on the Alzheimer's treatment lakembi today the drug is made by the Japanese Pharma company isai and Biogen and if approved it'll be the second drug in the U.S to treat Alzheimer's the expected price twenty six thousand dollars uh 500 a year joining us now is Kavita Patel NBC News medical contributor former Obama White House policy director it's so hard to name drugs Kavita that there's a cue but no there's a cube but no you so that we've it's come to that l-e-q-e-m bi so we're running out of name but 26 5 we should hear today whether the CMS is going to cover this and it looks like it was a unanimous FDA panel so it looks like it gets approved and there's some body language that the CMS is going to say okay we'll cover it yeah cms's earlier already indicated that they would put together a kind of a coverage program what we would call coverage with evidence development essentially asking neurologists and treating Physicians to put data elements into a registry to make sure that we're sharing information by the way we saw this same sort of requirement with tavr the cardiac procedure so I think that CMS is trying to send a signal that yes indeed if the FDA gives it full approval reminder the canby's under accelerated approval right now but with no CMS coverage so this full CMS coverage with conditions is signaling that they will indeed approve this cover it both CMS and the FDA but the devil's in the detailed show because not everybody can get access to it even with full coverage it's not a very easy drug to give eventually though as as in Eli Lilly it looks like maybe the amyloid protein is important not just the the result of but perhaps involved in in causing Alzheimer's so we're going to get drugs for this which you know events we're going to have to face what this means for our Health Care system and how much things cost and I don't know I don't know how you think we should approach that because other medicines are helping us live longer in a big way Quantum leaps along with that comes some type of dementia it seems like the longer you live so you're going to have to have more people at 26.5 a year so it we're going to break the bank Kavita yeah yeah look listen this is and especially because the goal of this drug is to really try to catch people in the early phases what we would call Mild cognitive impairment might not even have a technical diagnosis of Alzheimer's at the time and Jeff if you look at the Aging population just as you said that can get into right now it's about 6 million that we think have Alzheimer's dementia that can grow even in a decade or so to double digits and then when you think about people that are right before Alzheimer's even a larger population in size 10 to 20 percent of the population so to your point yes this is expensive that 26.5 doesn't even get into the cost of the other services that are required this is a drug that's administered by IV under monitored infusion you have to be monitored for at least 30 to 30 minutes to two hours after that once every two weeks for at least 18 months so it's not a trivial undertaking and then the nursing staff The Physician staff infusion chairs even at just large hospitals which don't exist in many rural areas which means we're going to have an access problem for a majority of America that can't get to one of these treatment centers not to mention that if you've tried to make an appointment with a neurologist not very easy to get in so we're going to have to retrain our system to take on this problem along with many of the issues of an aging population it's very similar to what Japan is facing as well and they're trying to get creative about access Solutions including to drugs like leukembe which we expect approval after FDA approval so it'll be interesting to watch Japan do this as well oh we need a pill and the the offset is that the long-term care for someone suffering from Alzheimer's is really expensive too so I mean eventually you could you could hit a point where it flips but uh what you describe in terms of the infusion and everything else makes it seem like it's very difficult to administer but we're at the early stages and let's not uh let's not be too negative it's good to be making some progress I think uh doctor it's it's a huge no it's it's it reminds me of the late 90s with cancer treatments with monoclonal antibodies this is pretty groundbreaking yeah yeah when the first yeah now look at it exactly
About the Creator
Microbiota, microbiome or microflora: how to speak correctly and why it is for health.
You've probably heard the phrase, "We are what we eat." But modern science says more precisely: we are also those who live in us. Until 2016, it was believed that there are many times more bacteria in our body than our own cells. The latest calculations by mathematicians show that we divide the body with our microorganisms by about 50/50: about 30 trillion of our cells versus 38 trillion bacterial ones.
By Yaroslav Gorohov3 days ago in Earth
Chinese EVs Closing In on America After Canadian Tariffs Deal
The electric vehicle race is no longer just about climate goals or consumer choice — it has become a geopolitical contest. And in early 2026, a subtle but powerful move by Canada may have tilted the board. By agreeing to sharply reduce tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles, Canada has opened a door that the United States has worked hard to keep shut. While Chinese EVs are still largely barred from the American market, they are now edging closer than ever — not by crossing the border directly, but by entering through Canada. This development raises a pressing question: Are Chinese EVs closing in on America, and what does that mean for the future of North American auto markets? The Deal That Changed the Game Canada’s new agreement with China allows up to 49,000 Chinese-made electric vehicles per year to enter the Canadian market at a tariff rate of just over 6%, a dramatic drop from the previous 100% tariff that effectively blocked them. On paper, the quota seems small. In reality, it carries enormous symbolic and strategic weight. For years, both Canada and the United States aligned closely on keeping Chinese EVs out, citing concerns over unfair subsidies, national security, and the protection of domestic auto industries. This new deal marks a clear shift — and a divergence from U.S. policy. Canada didn’t make the decision in isolation. The EV tariff reduction was part of a broader trade reset with China, tied to agricultural exports such as canola and efforts to stabilize a strained economic relationship. Why Chinese EVs Matter So Much China is the undisputed leader of the global electric vehicle industry. Its manufacturers produce EVs at scale, often at prices Western automakers struggle to match. Brands like BYD, Nio, and Xpeng have already expanded aggressively into Europe, Southeast Asia, and parts of the Middle East. North America has remained one of the final fortified markets — until now. Chinese EVs are appealing not just because they’re cheaper, but because they’ve rapidly improved in quality, range, and technology. For consumers priced out of North American and European EV models, Chinese vehicles offer something rare: affordability without sacrificing features. Canada’s decision gives Chinese automakers their first legitimate foothold in North America — and footholds tend to grow. Why the U.S. Is Nervous The United States still enforces a 100% tariff on Chinese EV imports, making them effectively unsellable in the American market. But Canada’s move has triggered concern in Washington. U.S. officials argue that Chinese EVs entering Canada could indirectly pressure American markets, influence supply chains, and weaken Washington’s leverage in future trade negotiations. There’s also a political dimension. Both major U.S. parties have framed Chinese dominance in EVs as a strategic threat — not just to auto jobs, but to technological leadership. Modern EVs collect vast amounts of data, and lawmakers have raised concerns about cybersecurity and foreign data access. While Chinese EVs aren’t rolling onto American roads yet, their presence just across the border changes the conversation. Canada’s Risk — and Opportunity Inside Canada, the reaction has been mixed. Automotive hubs like Ontario worry that opening the market could undermine domestic manufacturing and strain relations with the U.S., Canada’s largest trading partner. Some leaders have called the deal “lopsided,” warning it could cost jobs if American retaliation follows. Others see opportunity. A more competitive EV market could lower prices for Canadian consumers and accelerate EV adoption. It may also attract Chinese investment into Canada itself — including factories, battery plants, and supply chain partnerships. If Chinese automakers choose to build in Canada rather than simply export to it, the country could position itself as a bridge between Chinese EV innovation and North American demand. That balancing act — between economic opportunity and political risk — defines Canada’s strategy. Are Chinese EVs Really ‘Closing In’ on America? For now, the answer is: not directly — but strategically, yes. Chinese EVs sold in Canada won’t automatically flood the U.S. market. Regulations, trade rules, and tariffs still stand in the way. But proximity matters. Supply chains overlap. Consumer awareness spreads. Manufacturing footprints expand. There’s also the possibility of a workaround: Chinese companies could eventually build EVs in North America to bypass tariffs altogether. This idea has already been floated — but it faces fierce resistance from U.S. lawmakers and unions. Still, history shows that once a global industry leader gains regional access, momentum often follows. What This Means for Consumers For Canadian buyers, the impact could be immediate: more choice and lower prices in an EV market that has long been criticized for being expensive and limited. For American consumers, the effect will be indirect — at least at first. But increased competition could eventually pressure U.S. automakers to reduce prices, improve features, and accelerate innovation. The larger question is whether North America wants competition or insulation — and how long insulation can realistically last in a globalized EV economy. The Bigger Picture: A Global EV Power Shift Canada’s tariff deal reflects a broader reality: China’s dominance in electric vehicles is reshaping global trade, whether governments like it or not. Europe is already grappling with an influx of Chinese EVs. Emerging markets are embracing them. And now, North America has its first real crack in the wall. This isn’t just about cars. It’s about who controls the future of clean transportation, supply chains, and industrial policy. Final Thoughts Chinese EVs aren’t driving down American highways yet — but after Canada’s tariff deal, they’re closer than ever. This move doesn’t spell immediate disruption, but it does signal a shift. One country has decided that economic pragmatism outweighs political alignment. And in doing so, Canada may have opened the door to a new phase of EV competition in North America. Whether that door swings wider — or slams shut — will depend on how the U.S., automakers, and consumers respond. One thing is certain: the EV race just entered a new chapter.
By Muhammad Hassana day ago in Earth
Ludacris and Nelly draw backlash over bookings at MAGA-coded music festival
Ludacris and Nelly headlining a mostly right-wing event is good for them. It’s also great for the genre of hip hop. The two rap veterans have showcased their talents on other stages. Why can’t they perform for mostly MAGA folks and grab that bag?
By Skyler Saunders4 days ago in Beat
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