Lecanemab, a newly approved Alzheimer’s drug in the UK, represents a significant breakthrough by slowing the progression of early-stage Alzheimer’s, yet its high cost and associated risks have led to its provisional rejection for NHS use, highlighting the challenges in making advanced treatments accessible.
The Growing Impact of Alzheimer’s in the UK
Alzheimer’s disease, the most common form of dementia, affects six out of ten people with the condition in the UK. With nearly a million people living with dementia today, that number could reach 1.4 million by 2040.
The financial toll is significant, with dementia care costs expected to hit £42 billion this year, doubling by 2040. Current NHS treatments primarily focus on symptom management, offering little in the way of slowing the disease’s progression.
Lecanemab: A New Hope for Alzheimer’s Patients
Lecanemab, also known as LEQEMBI, is a groundbreaking drug approved by the MHRA, making it the first in the UK to slow early-stage Alzheimer’s progression. Developed by the pharmaceutical company Eisai, this antibody-based treatment targets amyloid plaques in the brain, a hallmark of Alzheimer’s.
Clinical trials showed a 27% reduction in cognitive decline and up to a 56% improvement in quality of life. However, the drug is not without risks, including the potential for serious side effects like amyloid-related imaging abnormalities (ARIA), which can lead to brain swelling or bleeding.
NHS Challenges: Cost vs. Benefit
Despite MHRA approval, NICE has provisionally rejected Lecanemab for NHS use, citing its high cost and modest benefits. At £20,000 per patient per year, the drug is considered too expensive for the NHS to fund.
NICE’s CEO, Dr. Samantha Roberts, stated, “The benefits this first treatment provides are just too small to justify the significant cost to the NHS.” This decision limits access to those who can afford private treatment, sparking debate about the fairness of the healthcare system.
A Health System Unprepared?
The NICE decision highlights a broader issue: the readiness of the UK’s health system to embrace new and emerging treatments for Alzheimer’s.
Experts, including Hilary Evans-Newton, Chief Executive of Alzheimer’s Research UK, have expressed concerns that the NHS is not currently equipped to handle the complexities associated with the new wave of Alzheimer’s drugs. This includes not only the financial implications but also the need for improvements in diagnosis and monitoring capabilities.
Currently, only individuals with a formal diagnosis of mild Alzheimer’s or mild cognitive impairment with high levels of amyloid in their brain, confirmed via PET scans, are eligible for Lecanemab. With diagnosis rates still below national targets and long waiting times for those who do seek help, the system is already under strain.
Final Thought
Lecanemab’s approval is both a breakthrough and a challenge. While it offers hope, its limited accessibility on the NHS highlights significant healthcare system gaps. With more than 160 Alzheimer’s drug trials ongoing worldwide, the future of treatment is promising, but the NHS must be better prepared to ensure these innovations benefit everyone, not just those who can pay privately.
As Evans-Newton put it, “The heartbreaking reality is that those who could benefit from drugs like Lecanemab don’t have time to wait.”
Curia UK will be launching a Report detailing our Dementia Sprint in Northamptonshire where attendees looked at ways of enhancing care pathways and engendering better support networks for Dementia persons. For more information on how to become a Health, Care and Life Sciences research group subscriber, please email info@curiauk.com.
