Alzheimer’s Society responds to MHRA and NICE announcements on lecanemab

On Thursday 22 August, the MHRA and NICE have made announcements on lecanemab, a ground-breaking new treatment for Alzheimer’s disease.

Tim Baverstock, Head of Local Systems Influencing for Alzheimer’s Society, said: “Today’s Medicines and Health products Regulatory Agency’s (MHRA) approval of the first safe and effective Alzheimer’s disease treatment, shown to slow progression, is a defining moment for people with early-stage Alzheimer’s disease and a significant step towards a more hopeful future.

“While we welcome the MHRA approval, which also applies in Wales, it is disappointing that NICE has decided against approving lecanemab for use on the NHS. NICE decisions on treatments also apply in Wales, though can be subject to approval by the All Wales Medicines Strategy Group.

“The news that lecanemab will be restricted to certain groups of patients will also lead to uncertainty for many people with Alzheimer’s disease and their loved ones.

“We respect the decisions regulators have made, however, we know these announcements will bring a mix of emotions for those who have been waiting a long time since the promising trial results were first announced.

“The NICE decision reflects the urgent challenges which must be addressed regarding how we diagnose and treat those with dementia.

“Close to half of people living with dementia in Wales have not received a dementia diagnosis and, for those who have been diagnosed, it’s often not timely or accurate enough for a person to be eligible for new treatments.

“Now more than ever, Alzheimer’s Society Cymru is calling on the Welsh Government and NHS Wales to prioritise dementia by improving early diagnosis in order to deliver ground-breaking treatments at scale.

“It is also vital that the NHS in Wales publishes plans on how it will deliver disease-modifying treatments, including a focus on diagnosis. These plans must ensure we have the workforce and tools needed to identify those who could be eligible for new treatments and get them the early, accurate diagnosis they need to access them.