A drug for Alzheimer’s, previously dismissed as too expensive for the NHS, could potentially delay dementia progression by up to eight years, according to recent research. The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) had previously concluded in June that two innovative treatments did not offer sufficient benefits to warrant their high costs. Clinical trials had initially suggested these drugs could only slow the progression from mild to moderate Alzheimer’s by four to six months. However, new findings on lecanemab, also marketed as Leqembi and developed by Eisai, unveiled at a significant conference, suggest the medication’s advantages in practical settings may surpass initial expectations.

The study revealed that extended use of lecanemab could defer the shift from mild cognitive impairment to moderate Alzheimer’s by 8.3 years in patients with lower amyloid protein levels in the brain, provided they begin treatment during the early stages of the disease. Additionally, the conference introduced data on an injectable form of the drug, which utilizes an auto-injector for home administration.

This innovation could make accessing the medication more convenient, eliminating the need for intravenous infusions.

Dr. Richard Oakley, the associate director of research and innovation at the Alzheimer’s Society, remarked on the findings, stating, “For years, individuals with Alzheimer’s have been anxiously awaiting treatments that can decelerate disease progression.”

He further noted, “The latest data on lecanemab’s application in real-life scenarios outside of controlled trials is encouraging, as it implies that earlier treatment might yield greater benefits.”

Dr. Oakley also emphasized the need for further understanding of what slowing disease progression means for Alzheimer’s patients in practical terms, particularly regarding their ability to remain independent and manage daily activities for an extended period.

The findings were presented at the Clinical Trials in Alzheimer’s Disease (CTAD) conference in San Diego, USA.

Dr Oakley added that such breakthroughs “will only make a difference if people are diagnosed early and accurately”.

He said: “Around one million people are living with dementia in the UK and more than a third don’t have a diagnosis.

“While lecanemab is not currently available on the NHS, hope is on the horizon with over 130 Alzheimer’s disease drugs in clinical trials.

“The UK Government must act now to improve dementia diagnosis and prepare the NHS for delivering these new treatments.”

Another Alzheimer’s drug, donanemab, was also approved for use in the UK but rejected for NHS use.

Donanemab and lecanemab are targeted antibody drugs that slow down the early stages of Alzheimer’s.

They represent a huge step forward in research because they target a known cause of the disease, rather than just treating symptoms.

Both drugs bind to amyloid, a protein which builds up in the brains of people living with Alzheimer’s disease. 

Last year, NHS England published a briefing paper suggesting that bringing the drugs to the health service could cost £500 million to £1 billion per year.

Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form of dementia. According to Alzheimer’s Society, one in three people born in the UK today will develop dementia in their lifetime.

By 2040, about 1.4 million people in the UK could be living with the condition.