Second Consultation Launched on NHS Funding for Alzheimer’s Treatments

Introduction:

On 6 March 2025, NICE published further draft guidance for public consultation, maintaining its stance against recommending the Alzheimer’s treatments donanemab and lecanemab for NHS funding. An independent committee previously determined that the benefits of these medicines were insufficient to justify the substantial additional costs associated with their provision and administration within the NHS. Subsequent evidence submissions have not altered this assessment, reaffirming that these treatments are not currently cost-effective.

Stakeholder Engagement:

The current draft guidance invites stakeholders to comment on the committee’s latest conclusions. NICE encourages companies and other interested parties to submit new evidence or commercial proposals that could address the issues hindering the adoption of these treatments within the NHS. Stakeholders are particularly encouraged to provide feedback on the committee’s recent conclusions concerning managed access arrangements and evidence requirements.

Managed Access Arrangements:

Managed access arrangements offer NHS patients the opportunity to use promising and potentially cost-effective medicines for a fixed period at a discounted rate. This approach aims to manage uncertainty for the NHS while additional evidence is gathered on the real-world efficacy and implementation of these treatments outside clinical trials.

Conclusion:

The public consultation on NICE’s draft guidance for donanemab and lecanemab is open until 27 March 2025. The independent committee will review all responses and any additional analyses at a third committee meeting before finalising its recommendations.

Citation:

National Institute for Health and Care Excellence. (2025, March 6). Second consultation launched on NHS funding for Alzheimer’s treatments.