Quebec Declines Coverage for Newly Approved Alzheimer’s Treatment

 

Quebec has announced that it will not cover the cost of lecanemab (Leqembi®), the first disease-modifying Alzheimer’s drug recently approved by Health Canada. The medication, conditionally approved in late October 2025, is designed to slow the progression of early-stage Alzheimer’s disease by targeting amyloid plaques in the brain.

Health Canada’s approval was hailed as a breakthrough, offering hope to patients and families grappling with the devastating effects of dementia. Lecanemab has shown the ability to reduce cognitive decline by about 27% over 18 months in clinical trials. Despite this, Quebec’s public drug insurance plan, administered by the Régie de l’assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ), has confirmed that the treatment will not be added to its list of covered medications.

The decision raises concerns about accessibility and affordability, as the drug is expected to be costly. While other provinces may still evaluate whether to include lecanemab in their formularies, Quebec’s refusal highlights ongoing debates about the balance between innovation, cost-effectiveness, and equitable access to care.

Advocates, including the Alzheimer Society of Canada, argue that denying coverage could leave many patients without access to a therapy that represents the first real step toward slowing the disease’s progression. Families and healthcare professionals are now calling for further discussions on how Canada’s healthcare system can adapt to emerging treatments that may reshape the future of dementia care.