Watchdog prolongs Alzheimer’s decision
Opposition parties and professional bodies have today criticised the continuing uncertainty over access to treatment for Alzheimer’s disease on the NHS.
In March, the National Institute for Clinical Excellence (Nice) proposed to restrict four Alzheimer’s drugs on the grounds they were not cost effective.
Many people with dementia, as well as their carers and health professionals, objected to the plans to axe the treatments, which boost memory. They argued the drugs cost as little as £2.50 per day per patient and improve daily life.
Nice was due to make its final ruling this month, but has today asked for more time to consider further evidence about the drugs Aricept, Exelon, Reminyl and Ebixa.
“We are acutely aware of our responsibility to people with Alzheimer’s disease, their families and carers, to ensure that every effort is made to obtain all the available evidence on these drugs,” said Nice chief executive Andrew Dillon.
“We need to make the right decision, based on all the relevant evidence. We think there is more data which could affect our decision and we are asking the drug companies for access to it.”
However, the Liberal Democrat spokeswoman for older people urged the government to ensure they were made available while further research was carried out.
“These drugs have been a lifeline for many sufferers and their carers. Nice need to demonstrate that the way they calculate cost-effectiveness is not ageist and does not unfairly discriminate against older people,” said Sandra Gidley.
“The government owes it to sufferers to ensure drugs are available while further trials are carried out, to establish which patients will benefit from these drugs.”
Shadow health secretary Andrew Lansley said he recognised the need for more clinical data but urged Nice not to look only at the benefits for the NHS but also at the emotional benefits for patients’ carers and family.
Chief executive of the Alzheimer’s Society Neil Hunt rejected Nice’s decision outright, saying: “We believe there is overwhelming evidence which clearly shows that these drugs work and are good value for money, and further research should not be needed.”
More than 750,000 people in the UK have dementia, the majority of whom are Alzheimer’s patients.
