The first drug proven to slow the progression of Alzheimer’s disease may be available here next year.
Geneticist Prof Sir John Hardy believed Lecanemab may mark “the end of the beginning” in the decades-long fight against dementia.
It was found to reduce brain decline in those with mild dementia. But he and other experts fear a fraction of patients will benefit until the NHS cuts diagnosis waiting times.
Dr Susan Kohlhaas, of Alzheimer’s Research UK, said: “Getting people diagnosed early, into research and treatment early will be key. This is a real window of opportunity for us… to get that right.”
About 900,000 people in the UK have dementia and 60-70% of cases are caused by Alzheimer’s.
A global clinical trial of Lecanemab showed it cleared toxic amyloid protein from the brain and slowed symptom progression by about 27% after 18 months.
Asked how soon the drug, given as an injection every two weeks, could be available in the UK, Sir John said: “I’m going to guess that we’ll see the first people towards the end of next year in the UK.”
Lecanemab maker Eisai aims to apply by the end of March for a UK licence.
Then a watchdog would consider if the drug – which is likely to be costly – is effective enough for use on the NHS.
But experts warn the UK is not well-prepared for such a treatment. Alzheimer’s Research UK estimates just 2% of patients receive specific tests – a PET scan or a lumbar puncture – to detect amyloids.
Many sufferers do not contact a dementia clinic until their disease is no longer mild, so would not benefit from Lecanemab.
If diagnostic services do not improve, Dr Kohlhaas estimated that just 5% patients who should be eligible for the drug would be able to access it.
