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Alzheimer's Sufferers in UK Win Landmark Court Appeal Over Denied Drugs

Submitted on: 05.01.2008
Patients in the UK earlier this month won a landmark victory in the fight to overturn a ban on Alzheimer's drugs for tens of thousands of patients, a case of interest to those in the U.S. who think a UK model of healthcare might be desirable here.  The Court of Appeal decided the process used by the government's rationing body to ban use of the drugs - which cost only £2.50 a day - was unfair.  The case could pave the way for the drugs to be re-instated for newly diagnosed patients with 'mild' symptoms of the disease.  At present, Aricept, Exelon and Reminyl are restricted to those with moderate symptoms.  The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence acknowledges the drugs work, but says they are not cost-effective for those in the early stages of Alzheimer's, despite the low cost.  Experts said the ruling could have wider implications because it showed a key part of NICE's work is secretive, undermining confidence in guidance that has led to other drugs being rationed.
For some sobering American pharmaco-economic data, have a look at the CMPI report, “Alzheimer’s Disease and Cost-effectiveness Analyses:  Ensuring Good Value for Money?"


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