UK Approves Lecanemab for Alzheimer's Treatment

Alzheimer's patients in the UK will not have access to the newly approved drug lecanemab through the NHS, as the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) has deemed it too expensive relative to its benefits. While the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has approved lecanemab as safe and effective, NICE concluded that the treatment's costs, estimated at up to £1 billion annually, do not justify its limited benefits, which include a 27% reduction in cognitive decline for early-stage patients. With a price tag of approximately £20,000 per patient per year, the drug will only be available to those who can afford to pay privately. This decision has drawn disappointment from campaigners and health experts, who argue it reflects the NHS's struggles to adapt to emerging Alzheimer's treatments. Concerns over serious side effects, such as brain swelling and bleeding, were also noted, contributing to the cautious approach of UK regulators. As the first drug to demonstrate a disease-modifying effect for Alzheimer's, lecanemab's situation highlights the tension between innovative treatment options and healthcare system constraints.