1738 – Two testing options to detect early-stage Alzheimer's Disease, to determine eligibility for PBS subsidised lecanemab treatment

Find out about the service or technology in this application and the medical condition it addresses. You can also view the application documents, the deadlines for providing consultation input and the outcome of the application when the MSAC process is complete.

  • Status Withdrawn
  • Type New application
  • Pre-PASC consultation Not applicable
  • Pre-MSAC consultation Closed
  • Outcome Not applicable

Application details

Reason for application

MSAC-PBAC co-dependent submission

Service or technology in this application

The proposed services are two testing options, either of which could be used to detect the presence of amyloid beta (Aß) pathology in patients with Alzheimer’s Disease.

The two tests are Aß positron emission tomography (PET) imaging and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) AD biomarker testing. A positive test result is to be used to determine patient eligibility to the drug treatment, lecanemab. A separate application will be made to the Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee for subsidy of the drug.

Type: Investigative technology

Medical condition this application addresses

Alzheimer’s Disease is a progressive, neurodegenerative disorder, characterized by an unrelenting decline in cognition and behavioural disturbances, that result in the person’s inability to perform usual daily living activities.

The pathophysiology is related to the injury and death of neurons, initiating in the hippocampus brain region that is involved with memory and learning, followed by gradual atrophy of the entire brain.

Early symptoms include difficulty with recent memories, apathy, and depression. Later symptoms include impaired communication, disorientation, confusion, difficulty speaking, swallowing and walking.

Application documents

Consultation survey and deadlines

  • PASC consultation: Bypassing PASC
  • MSAC consultation: Closed Friday 14 June 2024

Meetings to consider this application

  • PASC meeting: Bypassing PASC
  • ESC meeting: 13–14 June 2024
  • MSAC meeting: -