Approval of second medication for Alzheimer’s disease welcomed by RCPsych

Statement / comment
23 October 2024

A new medication that can slow the progression of Alzheimer’s disease has been approved for use in adult patients by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA).

Donanemab is the second treatment for Alzheimer’s disease to be licensed in Great Britain after lecanemab was approved for use earlier this year.

The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) has initially stated the cost of providing donanemab outweighs its benefits and it will therefore not be available on the NHS in England. Similarly to lecanemab, it can be prescribed privately.

Dr Mohan Bhat, Chair of the Faculty of Old Age Psychiatry at the Royal College of Psychiatrists, said:

“We welcome the MHRA’s decision regarding donanemab as the licensing of a second disease modifying drug for dementia is of huge importance.

“It is disappointing that neither of these two medications for Alzheimer’s disease has yet reached the threshold for value for money that would mean it is available on the NHS, although we note the decision around donanemab is still open to consultation.

“Nevertheless, this is a significant step forward and we welcome the development of more cost-effective treatments for Alzheimer’s disease in the future.

“NHS services are not yet ready to take full advantage of these upcoming medications, and this may result in people missing out on life-changing care in the future. The Government must ensure memory clinics have the staff and equipment they need to begin using these disease-modifying drugs as soon as they are approved for use on the NHS.

“We must also continue to focus on optimising and improving the availability of other forms of care, such as therapies and practical support. This should be supported through appropriate investment in research, collection of relevant data and application of outcomes.

“Psychiatrists are best placed to oversee the delivery of holistic care which helps people living with Alzheimer’s manage their mental and physical symptoms throughout every stage of their illness. For this reason, it is also vital that psychiatrists play a key role in the implementation of new treatments.

“Alzheimer’s is only one cause of dementia, and we need to develop a better understanding of other causes as well. The College will continue to support progress in this space so that people are able to access the best possible care available.”

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