In a recent decision, the UK's National Health Service (NHS) has opted not to provide Eli Lilly & Co’s Alzheimer’s drug, donanemab, to patients after deeming its benefits insufficient in comparison to its high cost. This marks the second setback for Alzheimer’s treatments in the UK this year, following a similar rejection of Eisai Co. and Biogen Inc.’s drug.
While donanemab was granted approval by the UK’s medicines authority, the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) released draft guidance stating that the medication's price and the need for extensive monitoring outweighed the minor advantages it offered to patients. According to NICE, the cost-effectiveness of donanemab was significantly higher than what is typically considered acceptable for NHS resources.
Clinical trials revealed that donanemab could delay Alzheimer’s progression by four to seven months. However, due to the expense and monitoring requirements, NICE concluded that the drug did not present good value for taxpayers.
Similarly, the Alzheimer’s treatment lecanemab from Eisai and Biogen was also declined endorsement by NICE despite its approval for use in the UK. Both drugs are the first to exhibit the ability to slow the progression of Alzheimer’s by removing toxic amyloid from patients' brains. Nonetheless, the effects of these drugs are modest, and they are only suitable for individuals in the early stages of the disease.
Furthermore, both medications come with side effects such as brain swelling and bleeding, necessitating frequent monitoring, including regular brain scans.
Expressing disappointment in the decision, Fiona Carragher, chief policy and research officer at Alzheimer’s Society, highlighted the need for progress in dementia treatment akin to advancements seen in cancer care, where treatments have become more effective, safer, and cost-effective over time. Carragher emphasized the importance of continued research and development in the field of dementia in hopes of achieving similar advancements in treatment options.