WASHINGTON — Patients Rising Now Executive Director Terry Wilcox today released the following statement in response to CMS’ final decision to restrict access to FDA-approved Alzheimer’s treatments to clinical trial participants:

“It’s a sad day for the millions of families loving someone through the deterioration of Alzheimer’s. And a sad day for underserved communities, as this ruling only widens health inequities.  

Further, this sets a dangerous precedent for other potentially life-saving treatments for those with rare diseases. The sick and dying – and their families – deserve access to FDA-approved treatments. We are disappointed in CMS and heartbroken for patients in America. 

Patients Rising Now is working for patients and caregivers. We will continue to work to give patients a voice through the implementation of national coverage determinations and protecting the integrity of accelerated approval for future therapies.”