Cochrane Report Finds £90,000 Alzheimer's Drugs Provide Minimal Patient Benefit
Key Takeaways
- Cochrane report finds minimal patient benefit from costly Alzheimer's drugs.
- NHS will not pay; UK access limited due to insufficient benefit.
- EU approval exists; UK adoption constrained by cost-benefit concerns.
Cochrane Report
The Cochrane Collaboration published an influential analysis concluding that Alzheimer's drugs targeting beta amyloid are unlikely to benefit patients.
“- Published Influential analysis has concluded that "breakthrough" Alzheimer's drugs are unlikely to benefit patients”
The report reviewed 17 studies involving 20,342 volunteers.
Prof Bart De Strooper said the review does not clarify the evidence, it blurs it.
The only way to get these drugs in the UK is by paying privately, with an 18-month course costing £90,000.
European Approval
The European Commission approved lecanemab on April 15, 2025.
The EMA had initially rejected the drug in July 2024.
The approval covers a population with early Alzheimer's where benefits outweigh risks.
The Commission simultaneously reiterated its refusal to commercialize donanemab.
UK Rejection
England's NHS rejected lecanemab as too expensive.
“The Alzheimer's treatment lecanemab, from Eisai Co”
NICE's draft guidance cited the need for intensive monitoring and relatively small benefits.
Lecanemab provides a four- to six-month slowdown in progression.
About 70,000 patients could have been eligible.
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