Two major UK decisions announced on use of Alzheimer’s drug, lecanemab

Today, two major decisions have been made on lecanemab (Leqembi®) – the Alzheimer’s drug that we helped humanise, which slows the progression of early-stage Alzheimer’s disease. 

The first was its approval in the UK by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA). The second was a decision from NICE not to make the drug available on the NHS.  

We’re heartened to see progress and a step in the right direction with the approval of this drug, which has been long-awaited after approvals in the US, Japan and South Korea earlier this year.   

Though the decision not to make lecanemab available on the NHS is difficult, we hope more people will have access to this potentially life-changing drug over time. 

We’re proud of our contribution to the humanisation of lecanemab, and while it signifies a significant breakthrough in the future treatment of Alzheimer’s and similar diseases, we acknowledge that early diagnosis remains a crucial challenge.  

This is why we are committed to advancing our efforts with partners like the UK Dementia Research Institute and Our Future Health, and continue to invest in innovative research to improve early detection and intervention.