Overview

• The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence found that donanemab and lecanemab only delay Alzheimer’s progression from mild to moderate by four to six months and are not cost-effective.
• NHS England estimates introducing the antibodies could cost between £500 million and £1 billion annually, risking diversion of resources from other services.
• Eli Lilly and Eisai intend to appeal the final draft guidance by the July 8 deadline, challenging NICE’s assessment of value for money.
• Alzheimer’s charities warn that the NHS currently lacks the diagnostic and treatment infrastructure to deliver the new therapies to tens of thousands of eligible patients.
• Clinical trials showed the drugs can slow cognitive decline by up to 40% but carry risks of serious side effects, including brain swelling and infusion-related reactions.