Two new breakthrough medications, Lecanemab and Donanemab, which have shown promise in slowing down the progression of early-stage Alzheimer’s, might not reach patients promptly due to the NHS’s lack of preparedness, Alzheimer’s Research UK has warned in a BBC Panorama interview.
Alzheimer’s, the most prevalent type of dementia, could potentially be tackled more effectively with these drugs because they target the disease’s underlying causes rather than simply addressing symptoms.
However, despite the possibility of these treatments being approved within the year, the NHS might face challenges in deploying them widely. Post-approval, they would still need to undergo a review process to evaluate their cost-effectiveness before becoming broadly available to patients.
The real-world impact of these drugs is contingent on timely diagnosis. Currently, few people undergo the advanced scans and tests that would identify their suitability for such treatment early on.
Moreover, there are outstanding concerns regarding the potential adverse effects of Lecanemab and Donanemab and whether the therapeutic advantages they provide justify the investment by the National Health Service.
You can read the full version of this story on the BBC’s website.
