Leqembi, a drug developed by Japanese pharmaceutical company Eisai, has encountered sluggish sales after being approved by the FDA and entering the U.S. market over a year ago. It is designed to mitigate Alzheimer’s disease by targeting and clearing specific proteins believed to be linked to the condition’s progression. Despite its potential, the adoption of Leqembi has been slow, primarily due to complexities surrounding insurance coverage and eligibility criteria, particularly for patients under 65 who are not covered by Medicare. The medication, which can delay disease progression by several months, also poses risks like brain swelling and bleeding, necessitating frequent monitoring.

In the UK, the Sunday Express has initiated the Better Bones campaign, advocating for increased funding for fracture liaison services (FLS) to support individuals suffering from osteoporosis. This campaign, backed by the Royal Osteoporosis Society, highlights a significant funding gap in providing specialist clinics that could prevent osteoporotic fractures. Despite political support, disputes continue over whether the Department for Health and Social Care, NHS England, or the Treasury should provide the required £30 million. This delay affects patients’ access to essential care across different regions, contributing to disparities in treatment availability.

Additionally, Diana Gould,70, and Sabria Stanton-McKellar, 28, are participating in the London Marathon to highlight and fundraise for osteoporosis, from which both suffer. Their participation underlines the personal and broader impacts of the disease, which annually leads to significant numbers of fractures among middle-aged and elderly individuals in the UK. They aim to draw attention to the condition and the necessity of standardized access to fracture liaison services nationwide.