Hope for the those suffering from Alzheimer’s has been provided through the licensing of a new drug that reduces cognitive decline related to Alzheimer’s
The BBC reported of the positive results found in trials where the drug Lecanemab delayed the early onset of Alzheimer’s.
Lecanemab is an antibody which attaches itself and breakdowns the development of the protein amyloid in the brain of Alzheimer’s sufferers. Lecanemab can slow down the progression of the early stages of Alzheimer’s.
Alzheimer’s is a brain disease that first manifests through symptoms including memory loss, changes and mood and anxiety. Sufferers can often become confused, lose things and are unable to recall conversations and names.
Alzheimer’s is the most common cause of dementia. It is estimated that just under one million people are currently living with dementia in the UK alone and this number is expected to rise by approximately 40% by the year 2040.
Alzheimer’s Research has hailed the UK Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency’s (MHRA) decision as a “landmark decision” due to its capacity to increase the chances for sufferers of Alzheimer’s to maintain their independence for longer rather than just managing the symptoms.
The moment affirmed as “bittersweet” by Alzheimer’s Research UK has also been called “deeply disappointing” as the National Institute or Care and Excellence (NICE), an organisation set up to provide guidance to the NHS on best treatment options, concluded in draft guidance that the costs for the availability of the drug in the NHS could not be justified, citing eligibility and the lack of value for the taxpayer, despite there being a small but meaningful delay in the progression of Alzheimer’s by 4 to 6 months.
The consultation on the draft guidance will close for comments on Friday 20th September 2024 and can be found on the NICE website, after which final guidance will be prepared.
MHRA licensing permits the private prescription of Lecanemab.
Further information and support can be found at:
Alzheimer’s Research UK – the UK’s leading Alzheimer’s research charity (alzheimersresearchuk.org)
Alzheimer’s Society (alzheimers.org.uk)
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