Visit our USA website
Turning Setback Into Progress
This week’s decision by NICE (the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence) to reject funding for two groundbreaking Alzheimer’s drugs Leqembi™ (lecanemab) and Kisunla™ (donanemab) has understandably caused concern across the dementia care and research community. Whilst the treatments have shown promising results in slowing early-stage Alzheimer’s by removing amyloid plaques and delaying cognitive decline, they will not be available to NHS patients due to cost-effectiveness concerns.
The rejection is a significant blow for the very large number of people in England who could have benefitted. Despite receiving MHRA approval and UK licences, these drugs will now be accessible only through private centres, including Re:Cognition Health’s centres in London and Birmingham, and their Centres in the USA. NICE’s decision has sparked criticism from leading figures, including Alzheimer’s Research UK, who warn of the wider impact on the UK’s position as a global leader in dementia innovation.
The results from the clinical trials highlight just how significant these medications could be in transforming Alzheimer’s treatment:
- Over an 18-month period, the trial testing donanemab demonstrated that it slowed cognitive decline by 35% compared to a placebo. Functional decline, which impacts daily activities such as managing finances, hobbies and driving, was reduced by 40%. In those in the earliest stages of Alzheimer’s, disease progression was reduced by an impressive 60%.
- The trial for lecanemab involved 1,795 participants with early-stage Alzheimer’s. Those receiving fortnightly infusions of the drug experienced a 27% reduction in the rate of progressive cognitive decline over 18 months, compared to those on a placebo.
- There is a significant impact on quality of life and daily functioning- for individuals with early symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease, which make this decision all the more disappointing for the individuals and families affected.
At Re:Cognition Health, however, there is still a pathway of hope. Indeed, our expert clinical team has administered thousands of doses of these treatments to patients taking part in clinical trials over recent years.
Today, Re:Cognition Health’s highly experienced UK and USA expert physicians provide Leqembi™ (lecanemab) and Kisunla™ (donanemab) in our USA centers under Medicare and supplementary insurance reimbursement, and in our UK clinics as an independent sector service. Re:Cognition Health also offers access to new generation AD medications, in the UK and USA via late-phase clinical trials, completely free of any charge.
It is important to note that these treatments are most effective in the earliest stages of cognitive impairment, therefore, very early diagnosis is essential.
“This decision is incredibly disappointing, not just for those who were hoping to access these drugs on the NHS, but for the wider progress of dementia care in the UK. These treatments have shown clinically meaningful results in slowing disease progression and function.”
Dr Emer MacSweeney, CEO and Consultant Neuroradiologist at Re:Cognition Health
Denying access on the NHS sends a deeply concerning message about the value placed on innovation in Alzheimer’s.
Dr MacSweeney adds, “However, progress is still possible. Clinical trials remain a vital route for access to these new medications, and for those who are interested we also offer these medications, privately. I urge individuals and families to seek an early diagnosis- because the earlier we intervene, the better chance we have of slowing the disease. ”
To find out more about eligibility, please contact our team.
Progress may be delayed, but it hasn’t stopped. Early action is the key.
