In response to the MHRA and NICE decisions on
lecanemab, Professor Sir Stephen Powis, NHS
National Medical Director, said:
“The NHS now awaits a final decision from the National Institute
for Health and Care Excellence that will look at the clinical
benefits and cost-effectiveness of lecanemab and determine if it
should be routinely offered by the NHS in England.
“Lecanemab is the first disease modifying treatment for
Alzheimer's disease with a market approval in the UK, and to
ensure the health system is prepared for future advances in
treatments, a dedicated NHS team is also looking ahead to 27
other drugs which are currently in advanced clinical trials that
could be potentially approved by 2030."
For background:
- NHS England has a dedicated national
team in place to plan for the roll out of a new class
of disease modifying treatments for Alzheimer's disease – they
first need to be approved by the MHRA and NICE which have to
assess the safety and clinical and cost effectiveness of the
treatment.
- If anyone is concerned about having signs and symptoms of
Alzheimer's disease, they should speak to their GP.
- There's currently no cure for Alzheimer's disease, but
medicines are available that can help relieve some of the
symptoms.
- There are also things people can do to reduce their risk or
delay the onset of dementia, such as stopping smoking, cutting
down on alcohol, eating a healthy, balanced diet and staying
physically fit and mentally active.
