Britain’s drug regulator has approved the Alzheimer’s drug Kisunla (donanemab), offering hope to those battling the debilitating disease. However, the government will not be funding the treatment, citing concerns over its cost-effectiveness, The Associated Press reports.
This follows a similar pattern with another Alzheimer’s drug, Leqembi, which was also approved by the UK regulator in August but deemed too expensive by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE). NICE, an independent watchdog agency, said that it requires more evidence to justify the drug’s high cost.
Kisunla, developed by Eli Lilly, targets a sticky protein in the brain believed to contribute to Alzheimer’s. The drug has shown some success in slowing the progression of the disease, leading to its approval by the UK’s Medicines and Healthcare regulatory Agency (MHRA). However, NICE expressed concerns about the drug’s cost, which comes in at $32,000 per year, along with the demanding administration process, requiring regular intravenous infusions and careful monitoring for potential side effects.
“The cost of administering Kisunla, which includes regular intravenous infusions and monitoring for potential side effects, means it cannot currently be considered good value for the taxpayer,” NICE stated in a press release.
Despite the decision, NICE acknowledges the importance of new treatment options for Alzheimer’s and has requested further data from Eli Lilly and the National Health Service to address the current evidence gaps.
While NHS patients will not have access to Kisunla, the drug remains available for private purchase.
Fiona Carragher, chief policy and research officer at the Alzheimer’s Society, expressed disappointment at NICE’s decision, but offered a glimmer of hope.
The UK’s decision echoes the ongoing struggle in the US to provide affordable access to Alzheimer’s treatments. The rollout of Leqembi has faced similar challenges, with inconsistent insurance coverage, logistical hurdles, and financial concerns slowing its progress.
