NHS budget constraints block £30,000 Alzheimer’s drug access
Alzheimer’s patients impacted as NHS can't afford £30,000 drug
![Alzheimer’s patients face distress as a promising drug receives approval in the UK, but remains inaccessible due to NHS budget constraints.](https://thethaiger.com/world/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/steven-hwg-zBsdRTHIIm4-unsplash-scaled.jpg)
Alzheimer’s patients face distress as a promising drug, Lecanemab, receives approval in the UK, but remains inaccessible due to NHS budget constraints.
Lecanemab, priced at £30,000 per patient annually, is unaffordable for most British citizens. Although the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency has approved it, the high cost renders it impractical for widespread use.
The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence argues that Lecanemab offers minimal benefits and is not cost-effective for the taxpayer. However, Alzheimer’s patients value any potential delay in symptom progression, highlighting the need to find a solution to make Lecanemab available on the NHS until a more affordable alternative is developed. The ultimate goal remains finding a cure for this devastating disease that robs individuals of their identity.
Strictly’s Amy Dowden, who is battling breast cancer, has faced online abuse from trolls. She advocates for prosecution of these offenders, and initial steps should include social media platforms monitoring and removing harmful content, as well as shutting down accounts of those spreading hate.
Dowden is not alone in this, but it is shocking that her abusers could attack someone sharing their cancer journey to help others. These individuals must be named, shamed, and held accountable to demonstrate that such vile behaviour has serious repercussions.
Storm Lilian threatens to disrupt the Bank Holiday weekend in some parts of the UK, a typical end-of-summer scenario. Given that rain and storms often ruin plans, it’s no surprise that complaining about the weather is a national pastime.
What Other Media Are Saying
- Gloucestershire Live reports that the NHS has rejected a new drug, lecanemab, which could slow Alzheimer’s progression, citing cost concerns.(read more)
- metro.co.uk reports that a promising Alzheimer’s drug will not be available on the NHS due to its high cost, leaving patients and caregivers frustrated and with limited treatment options.(read more)
- Mirror reports that Alzheimer’s sufferers in Britain can now buy a new device that tracks brain health, which could help slow down memory loss and provide early diagnosis.(read more)
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions asked about this news
Why can’t most people in the UK afford Lecanemab for Alzheimer’s?
Lecanemab costs £30,000 per patient per year, making it unaffordable for most Brits.
Has Lecanemab been approved for use in the UK?
Yes, it has been approved by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency.
Why did the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence reject Lecanemab?
They decided its benefits are too small to justify the high cost.
What action does Amy Dowden want against her online abusers?
She wants some to face prosecution and for platforms to police their content.
What weather event is expected to disrupt the Bank Holiday weekend?
Storm Lilian is threatening to blow away plans with rain and storms.